Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the establishment of a 250 MW Solar Power Project with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh, marking the first large-scale renewable energy project to be developed on defence land in India.
The project will be set up on approximately 850 acres of vacant defence land at the former Sitapur Cantonment and is aimed at strengthening the long-term energy security of defence establishments while promoting sustainable and clean energy solutions.
According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the initiative represents a major step towards the optimum utilisation of vacant defence land and aligns with the Government’s broader commitment to renewable energy, environmental sustainability and reduced dependence on conventional power sources.
First-of-Its-Kind Project on Defence Land
The Sitapur project is the first major solar energy venture being developed on defence land with an integrated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), enabling efficient storage and supply of electricity even during non-generation periods.
The project is expected to provide reliable green energy to defence establishments across Uttar Pradesh while significantly reducing expenditure on conventional grid power over its operational life cycle.
Officials stated that the initiative would generate substantial long-term savings for the government and contribute to India’s clean energy transition goals.
NTPC to Execute the Project
The project will be implemented by NTPC Limited through a competitive bidding process designed to ensure optimal energy pricing and maximum financial benefits for defence establishments.
Implementation will be carried out in close coordination with the Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army) and the Directorate General Defence Estates.
Boost to Energy and National Security
The Ministry described the project as a unique convergence of national security, energy security, technological innovation and environmental sustainability. By leveraging underutilised defence land for strategic renewable energy generation, the project is expected to strengthen the operational resilience of military installations while supporting national development objectives.
The solar park will also contribute to India’s renewable energy targets and help reduce the carbon footprint of defence establishments.
Model for Future Defence Energy Projects
Upon completion, the Sitapur Solar Power Project is expected to become one of the largest renewable energy projects established on defence land in the country. It is also likely to serve as a benchmark for future solar-plus-storage projects across the defence sector.
The Ministry of Defence, NTPC, Army Headquarters and the Directorate General Defence Estates will work in close coordination to ensure timely execution of the project.
Officials believe the initiative could pave the way for similar renewable energy projects on vacant defence lands across the country, creating a sustainable model that supports both military readiness and environmental stewardship.
