A newly opened solar array at Larkhill Garrison in Wiltshire is strengthening the Army's energy security on Salisbury Plain, providing a dependable and sustainable power source for day-to-day operations.

Covering 2.5 hectares – larger than three football pitches – and fitted with more than 4,000 photovoltaic panels, the site is expected to produce approximately 1.7 GWh of electricity annually, enough to power around 630 average UK homes each year. Any excess energy will be routed via a private wire network to Bulford, Tidworth and Perham Down.

The installation is projected to avoid roughly 352 tonnes of CO2e emissions annually, supporting the UK's net zero goals.

Larkhill's solar capacity has expanded this year with the addition of the new ground-mounted array and four further rooftop systems. During peak daylight hours, the garrison achieved regular self-sufficiency for 73 days and exported surplus electricity to Bulford Camp.

Aspire Defence Services Ltd delivered the project on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), with funding from the Army's Project Prometheus, which is rolling out rooftop and ground-mounted solar across suitable Army estate locations.

-- Advertisement --

The official opening brought together Army and Defence leaders responsible 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."

Constructed on unused green space within the garrison, the solar array also includes a butterfly conservation area to encourage biodiversity.