The Photovoltaic (PV) panels will generate electricity to run buildings at Larkhill, with any surplus being fed through the private wire network for reuse across Bulford, Tidworth and Perham Down. The works have been completed under the army’s Project Prometheus, which is delivering both ground and roof mounted solar arrays at a number of sites across the army estate in the coming years.
The solar panels support the army’s commitment to operate more sustainably and reach net zero by 2050.
At the official switch-on of the PV panels at Larkhill Garrison on Wednesday 26 March, Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director of Basing & Infrastructure and the army’s sustainability champion, said
I am delighted to see the successful completion of our latest solar installation project. By increasing green energy supply, we are building a more sustainable, cost-effective army estate that protects both our future capability and the environments in which soldiers live, work and train.
Almost 11,000 PV panels have been installed in recent years on vehicle garaging, offices, stores and training assets at Salisbury Plain Training Area garrisons, covering over 18,000m2 of roof space. This saves 600 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, equivalent to the annual absorption of 27,000 trees.
All the construction has been carried out by Aspire Defence Services Ltd, contracting to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) under Project Allenby/Connaught.
Barry Ray, DIO Regional Delivery Lead, said
It’s fantastic to see the completion of the latest solar panel installation under Project Prometheus, through the Aspire Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and the tireless efforts of the whole team. We’re happy to be playing our part in the MOD’s efforts to meet the government’s net zero targets and make the Defence estate as sustainable as we can. The energy generated will help to power the buildings at Larkhill and any extra can be used to meet demand elsewhere on the PFI estate, so the benefit will be widely felt.
Richard Tindal, Capital Projects Director, Aspire Defence Services Ltd, said
We are very pleased to support the army and DIO in this latest stage of the journey towards decarbonising their estate. Our long-term collaborative relationship has enabled us to work together, identifying the opportunities to support sustainability ambitions as funding becomes available. I look forward to continuing this into the future.
