Lucknow, 09 June (HS): Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has

approved the establishment of a 250 MW Solar Power Project with Battery Energy

Storage System (BESS) at Sitapur (Ex-Cantonment), Uttar Pradesh, on

approximately 850 acres of vacant defence land, taking a significant step

toward enhancing energy security, promoting renewable energy, and ensuring

optimal utilisation of vacant defence land. This is the Ministry of Defence's

(MoD) first-of-its-kind initiative, which involves the creation of a large-scale

solar power producing plant on defence ground with integrated BESS assistance.

The effort represents the government's dedication to clean energy,

sustainability, and a reduction in reliance on traditional fuel sources.

Besides increasing long-term energy security for the Defence Forces, the

project is intended to significantly cut expense paid on acquisition of

conventional grid electricity for defense institutions, resulting in huge

savings to the government exchequer during the course of the project. NTPC

Limited is conducting the project through a competitive bidding method in order

to get the best energy pricing and savings for defense institutions. The

project was carried out in close collaboration with the MoD's Integrated

Headquarters (Army) and the Directorate General of Defence Estates. The

initiative reflects the intersection of national security, energy security,

technical innovation, and environmental sustainability, showcasing the Ministry

of Defence's commitment to leveraging its assets in support of national development

goals while protecting strategic interests.

MoD, NTPC, MoD IHQ (Army), and DGDE will work closely

together to achieve timely implementation. The Sitapur Solar Power Project is

intended to be one of the country's most significant renewable energy projects

built on defense property, serving as a model for future solar-plus-storage

projects in the defense industry.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi