Rajnath Singh Approves First Large-Scale Solar Power Project on Defence Land in Uttar Pradesh

250 MW Solar-BESS facility to be developed at Sitapur on 850 acres of vacant defence land; project aims to boost energy security, cut power costs and set a benchmark for future renewable energy initiatives in the defence sector

New Delhi, June 9, 2026: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the establishment of a 250 MW Solar Power Project integrated with a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Sitapur (Ex-Cantonment) in Uttar Pradesh. The 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) on defence-owned land.

The ambitious project is aimed at strengthening energy security for defence establishments while supporting the government’s broader commitment to clean energy, sustainability and reduced dependence on conventional power sources. The initiative is expected to generate substantial long-term savings by lowering expenditure on grid-based electricity procurement for military facilities.

The solar-plus-storage project will be implemented by NTPC Limited through a competitive bidding process designed to secure optimal energy pricing and maximize 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).

According to the Ministry of Defence, the project represents a strategic convergence of national security, energy security, technological advancement and environmental sustainability. It also reflects the government’s focus on the productive utilisation of vacant defence land to support national development objectives without compromising strategic interests.

The integrated Battery Energy Storage System will enhance the reliability and efficiency of the solar facility by ensuring a stable power supply and better energy management for defence installations across Uttar Pradesh.

Officials from the Ministry of Defence, NTPC, the Army Headquarters and DGDE will work jointly to ensure the timely completion of the project. Once operational, the Sitapur Solar Power Project is expected to become one of India’s most significant renewable energy installations on defence land and serve as a model for future solar-plus-storage projects across the defence sector.