Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh Approves 250 MW Solar Power Project on Defence Land in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh – Indian PSU
In a landmark move aimed at strengthening energy security and accelerating India’s transition towards renewable energy, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the establishment of a 250 MW Solar Power Project with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Sitapur (Ex-Cantonment) in Uttar Pradesh.
The ambitious project, to be developed on approximately 850 acres of vacant defence land, marks the first large-scale renewable energy initiative of its kind undertaken by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The project is expected to emerge as a benchmark for future solar-plus-storage developments on defence land across the country.
Major Boost to Defence Energy Security
The 250 MW solar power facility, integrated with an advanced Battery Energy Storage System, is designed to provide reliable and sustainable electricity to defence establishments across Uttar Pradesh. The project will significantly reduce dependence on conventional grid power while ensuring uninterrupted energy availability for critical defence infrastructure.
Officials believe the initiative will generate substantial long-term savings in electricity expenditure and contribute significantly to the Government’s broader clean energy and sustainability goals.
NTPC to Implement the Project
State-run power giant NTPC Limited has been entrusted with implementing the project through a competitive bidding process aimed at securing optimal energy pricing and maximizing savings for defence establishments.
The project will be executed in close coordination with the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army) and the Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE).
Optimum Utilisation of Vacant Defence Land
The initiative forms part of the Ministry of Defence’s strategy for the optimum utilisation of vacant defence land while supporting national renewable energy objectives. By leveraging underutilised land assets for clean energy generation, the Ministry aims to create long-term value while safeguarding strategic interests.
The project represents a unique convergence of national security, energy security, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability, showcasing how defence assets can contribute to national development priorities.
Benchmark for Future Renewable Energy Projects
Upon completion, the Sitapur Solar-BESS Project is expected to become one of India’s most significant renewable energy installations developed on defence land. It is also likely to serve as a model for similar solar-plus-storage projects across defence establishments nationwide.
The Ministry of Defence, NTPC, the Army Headquarters, and DGDE will work closely to ensure timely implementation of the project, which is expected to play a vital role in India’s clean energy transition while strengthening the operational resilience of defence infrastructure.
Key Highlights
- 250 MW Solar Power Project with integrated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
- To be developed on approximately 850 acres of defence land in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh
- First large-scale solar-plus-storage project on defence land in India
- Implemented by NTPC Limited
- Will enhance energy security of defence establishments
- Expected to generate significant long-term savings in electricity costs
- Supports Government’s renewable energy and sustainability goals
- Likely to become a benchmark for future defence-sector renewable energy projects in India.
