Defence Land in Uttar Pradesh to Host 250 MW Solar Power Project

NTPC Limited has been entrusted with implementing the project through a competitive bidding process designed to secure the most cost-effective energy pricing.

The Ministry of Defence has approved a 250 MW solar power project with an integrated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on vacant defence land in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh. Cleared by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, the project marks the first time the ministry has undertaken a large-scale solar power generation facility with battery storage support on defence land.

Spread across nearly 850 acres of unused land at Sitapur (Ex-Cantonment), the project is expected to strengthen energy security for defence establishments while supporting the country's transition towards cleaner energy sources. The initiative combines renewable energy generation with energy storage capabilities, allowing power to be supplied even when solar generation is low.

Clean Energy Push to Reduce Defence Power Costs

The project reflects the government's broader focus on renewable energy, sustainability and reduced dependence on conventional power sources. Defence installations across the country consume substantial amounts of electricity, making energy costs a significant expenditure.

By generating solar power on defence land and integrating battery storage systems, the Ministry of Defence expects to lower its reliance on grid electricity and reduce long-term power procurement expenses. Officials believe the project will generate considerable savings for the government over its operational lifespan while improving energy resilience for defence infrastructure.

Battery Energy Storage Systems play a crucial role in modern renewable energy projects. They store excess electricity produced during peak sunlight hours and release it when demand rises or solar generation declines. This helps ensure a more stable and reliable power supply, addressing one of the major challenges associated with renewable energy.

NTPC to Implement Project Through Competitive Bidding

NTPC Limited has been entrusted with implementing the project through a competitive bidding process designed to secure the most cost-effective energy pricing. The initiative will be executed in coordination with the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army) and the Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE).

The project brings together multiple national priorities, including defence preparedness, energy security, technological advancement and environmental sustainability. It also demonstrates how underutilised government land can be deployed for strategic infrastructure that delivers long-term economic and environmental benefits.

Once completed, the Sitapur Solar Power Project is expected to become one of India's largest renewable energy installations developed on defence land. Officials view it as a model for future solar-plus-storage projects across the defence sector and a significant step towards integrating clean energy into critical national infrastructure.

The Ministry of Defence, NTPC, Army Headquarters and DGDE will work closely to ensure the timely execution of the project, which could serve as a benchmark for similar initiatives in the years ahead.