A new solar array has officially opened at Larkhill Garrison in Wiltshire, enhancing the Army’s energy resilience on Salisbury Plain.
The project marks a significant step forward in the Army’s drive to improve energy efficiency, providing a reliable and sustainable source of energy to support the garrison’s day-to-day operations.
Spanning 2.5 hectares – more than three football pitches – and comprising more than 4,000 photovoltaic (PV) panels, the installation is expected to generate approximately 1.7 GWh of electricity each year, which is enough to power around 630 average UK homes annually. Any surplus electricity will be redistributed via a private wire network to neighbouring camps at Bulford, Tidworth and Perham Down.
The solar array is also expected to offset around 352 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) each year, contributing to the UK’s target of achieving net zero emissions.
Solar capacity at Larkhill has increased this year through delivery of the new ground-mounted solar array and four additional rooftop installations. As a result, the garrison achieved regular self-sufficiency for 73 days during peak daylight hours and exported surplus energy to Bulford Camp.
The project was delivered by Aspire Defence Services Ltd on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and funded through the Army’s Project Prometheus, which is rolling out both rooftop and ground-mounted solar technology across suitable sites on the Army estate.
The official opening of the Larkhill solar installation was attended by Army and Defence leaders for sustainability policy, strategy and infrastructure.
Major General AJ Smith CBE, Director of Basing & Infrastructure and the Army’s Sustainability Champion, said
This project shows what is possible when we invest in practical, scalable renewable energy. By growing our green energy supply we are building an Army estate that is more sustainable and resilient, and better able to support operational capability.
James Clare, Director of Energy, Environment and Infrastructure at the Ministry of Defence said
This project shows the practicable benefits of investing in scalable energy solutions. By increasing our renewable energy capacity, we are reducing costs, enhancing estate resilience, and supporting a more sustainable and operationally effective estate.
Warren Webster, DIO Major Programmes and Projects Programme Director – Army, said
Solar arrays are already generating significant electricity for several Army sites with more to come. The work at Larkhill and more widely not only provides the Army with sustainable future energy solutions but supports a more resilient Defence.
Allan Thomson, Chief Executive Officer, Aspire Defence Ltd, said
This project represents an important step in supporting more sustainable, resilient infrastructure across the estate and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering long-term value for our Army customer and the environment. We are proud to have enabled this programme for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and helping to drive meaningful progress towards a lower-carbon future across Defence.
Built on unused green space within Larkhill Garrison, the new solar array also features a butterfly conversation area to encourage biodiversity.