India has approved its first large-scale solar power project on defence land, marking a new approach to combining energy security, renewable energy development and strategic land utilization. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that a 250-megawatt (MW) Solar Power Project with an integrated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will be developed in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh.

The project, approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will be built on approximately 850 acres of vacant defence land at the former Sitapur Cantonment. Officials said the initiative is designed to strengthen power supply for defence establishments while supporting India's broader clean energy transition.

First Major Solar-Plus-Storage Project On Defence Land

The Sitapur project is the first initiative of its kind to combine utility-scale solar generation with battery energy storage on defence-owned land. The integrated storage system is expected to improve power reliability by storing electricity generated during peak solar production hours and supplying it when demand rises or sunlight is unavailable.

The Ministry of Defence said the project aims to reduce dependence on conventional grid electricity and improve long-term energy security for military installations across Uttar Pradesh.

The initiative will be implemented by NTPC through a competitive bidding process intended to secure cost-effective power generation and maximize long-term savings.

Renewable Energy Meets National Security Goals

Officials described the project as an example of how public assets can be used to support both strategic and economic objectives. The development is expected to lower electricity procurement costs for defence establishments and generate significant savings over the project's operational life.

The project will be executed in coordination with the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army) and the Directorate General Defence Estates.

Experts note that battery-backed solar projects are becoming increasingly important as countries seek reliable renewable energy solutions that can support critical infrastructure and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Model For Future Defence Sector Clean Energy Projects

The Ministry of Defence said the Sitapur facility could serve as a benchmark for future solar and energy storage projects on defence land across India.

The initiative aligns with national goals to expand renewable energy capacity while improving energy resilience for strategic sectors. If successful, it could open new opportunities for utilizing underused government land for clean energy generation without affecting operational defence requirements.

Officials said work will proceed through close coordination among all implementing agencies to ensure timely completion of the project.