Investment for clean enrgy at military sites

Land February 6, 2026

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has announced a £74 million investment package dedicated to clean energy upgrades across the UK’s public estate, with a significant portion allocated to enhancing the operational efficiency of military installations.

Published on 5 February 2026, this initiative is designed to reduce energy expenditure and strengthen energy security by integrating advanced technologies into frontline public services. While the funding encompasses eighty-two NHS Trusts and one prison, eight critical military sites across England and Scotland are positioned as primary beneficiaries of these infrastructure improvements.

The upgrades will focus on the installation of solar panels, heat pumps, efficient lighting systems, and advanced battery storage technology. Key Royal Air Force stations, including RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Waddington, and RAF Marham, have been identified for upgrades to their energy management systems. These modifications are intended to optimise energy usage and reduce the substantial overheads associated with maintaining high-readiness military facilities. For businesses within the defence supply chain, particularly those specialising in renewable energy integration and smart building technologies, this represents a tangible move toward the modernising of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) estate.

A critical component of this funding, approximately £9 million, will be delivered through a partnership with Great British Energy (GBE). This specific tranche is earmarked for the procurement and installation of solar panels and battery storage solutions, building upon GBE’s previous £255 million investment in public sector solar power during the preceding year. The military sites included in this phase are expected to realize annual energy savings totaling hundreds of thousands of pounds. These savings are intended to be redirected into core operational requirements, ensuring that the armed forces maintain a lean and sustainable infrastructure.

Beyond the immediate RAF base upgrades, the program includes works at HMP Channings Wood in Devon, which will receive £495,000 for solar array installation and an additional £250,000 for electrical and plumbing enhancements to mitigate heat loss. These projects signal a sustained government commitment to the ‘clean power mission,’ presenting long-term opportunities for contractors involved in electrical engineering, plumbing, and sustainable construction. The emphasis on energy security and the reduction of utility costs highlights a broader strategic shift toward self-sufficient and resilient military bases. As the UK government continues to prioritize decarbonisation and fiscal efficiency, the defence sector remains a pivotal area for large-scale energy infrastructure projects and technological implementation.

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