Army Solar Initiative Powers Larkhill Garrison with Green Energy

The installation of over 1,370 roof-mounted solar panels at Larkhill Garrison has been completed, marking a significant step in the Army’s commitment to sustainability and its goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050. This project is part of the Army's broader efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and operate more sustainably.

The newly installed photovoltaic (PV) panels will generate electricity to power Larkhill's buildings, with any surplus energy being directed through the private wire network for use at other nearby sites, including Bulford, Tidworth, and Perham Down. This initiative is a key part of the Army’s Project Prometheus, which aims to deploy both ground and roof-mounted solar arrays across multiple locations in the coming years.

At the official switch-on ceremony on Wednesday, March 26, Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director of Basing & Infrastructure and the Army’s Sustainability Champion, expressed his satisfaction with the project’s success, stating:
“I’m thrilled to see the completion of our latest solar installation. By increasing the supply of green energy, we are creating a more sustainable and cost-efficient Army estate, ensuring the protection of both our operational capabilities and the environments where soldiers live, work, and train.”

In recent years, nearly 11,000 PV panels have been installed across Salisbury Plain Training Area’s garrisons, covering more than 18,000m² of roof space. This effort has saved an estimated 600 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually—equivalent to the carbon absorption of 27,000 trees.

The entire construction was carried out by Aspire Defence Services Ltd, working with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) under Project Allenby/Connaught.

Barry Ray, DIO Regional Delivery Lead, commented on the success of the project, saying:
“It’s fantastic to see the completion of the latest solar panel installation as part of Project Prometheus. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Aspire PFI team, we are playing a key role in helping the MOD meet the government’s Net Zero targets and making the Defence estate more sustainable. The energy generated will power buildings at Larkhill, with any surplus contributing to meeting demand across the PFI estate, benefiting the wider community.”

Richard Tindal, Capital Projects Director at Aspire Defence Services Ltd, added:
“We’re proud to support the Army and DIO on this crucial step in decarbonising their estate. Our long-standing partnership has allowed us to work closely together to identify opportunities for sustainability improvements, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future.”