Construction work is commencing on a new solar array at Weeton Barracks in Lancashire that will generate over one third of the site’s energy needs.

The work has been funded under the British Army’s Project Prometheus, a scheme that is increasing renewable energy across the army estate through installation of solar arrays on suitable military sites. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) contracted the work to Mitie & Custom Solar on behalf of the army.

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The 1,638 panels will cover an area of approximately 3,600 m2 of land, which had previously been used for hangars until they were demolished a number of years ago. Once complete later this year, the array will generate 648 Mwh per year of environmentally-friendly energy. This is anticipated to provide 35% of the site’s energy needs, saving energy costs for the taxpayer and reducing the proportion of energy used at Weeton Barracks generated by fossil fuels.

The site surrounding the solar array will also be planted with a variety of plants including grasses, shrubs and bushes in an effort to improve the biodiversity and available habitats.

The army's first solar farm opened at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield in 2021 under the first phase of Project Prometheus. A further 3 arrays have since been delivered at Baker Barracks on Thorney Island, Rock Barracks in Suffolk and Duke of Gloucester Barracks.