Defence Online

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has commenced construction on a new £3.9 million solar array at Bassingbourn Barracks, marking a significant milestone in the British Army’s ongoing decarbonisation efforts.

This project is delivered under the auspices of Project Prometheus, a strategic initiative designed to bolster the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) transition toward Net Zero targets through the deployment of renewable energy across the defence estate. The contract for the installation was awarded to Custom Solar, a subsidiary of Mitie Power & Grid, following previous successful deployments at Weeton Barracks and Larkhill Garrison.

The new ground-mounted solar array will encompass over 5,000 individual panels, covering a total surface area exceeding 30,000 square metres. Once fully operational, the system is projected to generate 2.2MWp of renewable electricity annually. This capacity is calculated to meet approximately one-third of the total energy requirements for the Bassingbourn site, significantly reducing reliance on the national grid and enhancing on-site energy resilience. This shift toward self-generated power is central to the Army’s Sustainability, Efficiency, and Exploitation (SEE) objectives, which seek to protect operational capabilities while managing environmental impact across the UK’s military installations.

The collaboration involves multiple industry partners, including Mitie and Mott MacDonald, reflecting the multi-disciplinary approach required for modern defence infrastructure upgrades. For businesses operating within the energy and construction sectors, Project Prometheus represents a sustained pipeline of work as the MOD continues to audit and upgrade its extensive property portfolio. The project demonstrates a clear requirement for technical expertise in large-scale solar integration, electrical grid management, and sustainable land use within military contexts. The integration of such technologies is increasingly becoming a standard component of defence estate management, providing a predictable market for suppliers of green technology.

The investment at Bassingbourn Barracks underscores a broader trend in UK defence procurement, where sustainability and energy security are increasingly prioritised alongside traditional mission-readiness. As the MOD works to meet its environmental obligations, prime contractors and sub-contractors in the renewable energy sector will find increasing opportunities for engagement. By strengthening energy resilience, the MOD aims to ensure that military sites remain functional under varied operational conditions, thereby supporting the long-term viability of the UK’s armed forces. This project serves as a template for future infrastructure developments across the defence estate, combining technological innovation with the strategic necessity of energy independence.

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