Construction begins on new solar array at Weeton Barracks

Work is set to begin on a solar array at Weeton Barracks in Lancashire UK, which will provide over a third of the site’s energy needs. The project, funded under the British Army’s Project Prometheus, is aimed at increasing the use of renewable energy across Army properties. The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has contracted Mitie & Custom Solar to carry out the work on the Army’s behalf.

The array will consist of 1,638 solar panels spread across approximately 3,600 m² of land that was previously used for hangars before they were demolished. When completed later this year, the solar farm will generate 648 MWh annually, providing 35% of the barracks' energy needs. This initiative will help reduce energy costs for taxpayers and lessen the site’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Walkworth RE, Assistant Head of the Army’s Sustainability, Efficiency, and Exploitation team, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying: “We are excited to see work begin on this solar installation at Weeton Barracks. By enhancing the availability of renewable energy across Army sites, we’re creating a more sustainable infrastructure that boosts our energy resilience and operational effectiveness, all while preserving the environment where our personnel live, work, and train.”

Maj Peter Reid, Quartermaster for 1 LANCS, also shared his support, noting, “It’s fantastic to witness such a significant investment in renewable energy at Weeton Barracks. The new solar farm will not only reduce our environmental impact but will also protect and enhance local wildlife. It’s also a great opportunity for local engagement and learning.”

Katie Owen, DIO Project Manager, explained, “This marks the first ground-mounted array to be launched under the second phase of Project Prometheus, following the success of the first phase. Once finished, a large portion of Weeton Barracks' energy needs will be met with electricity generated on-site.”

Gary Sucharewycz, Sales Director for Solar and Storage at Custom Solar, expressed pride in the collaboration, saying, “We’re proud to support the DIO on this important milestone in decarbonising the British Army’s estate. Our strengthened partnership with the DIO allows us to apply our expertise in large-scale solar infrastructure to create more sustainable environments for military personnel.”

To further promote sustainability, the land surrounding the solar array will be planted with a variety of grasses, shrubs, and bushes, fostering improved biodiversity and offering better habitats for local wildlife.

Weeton Barracks follows the Army’s first solar farm, which opened at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield in 2021, as part of the first phase of Project Prometheus. Since then, additional solar arrays have been installed at Baker Barracks on Thorney Island, Rock Barracks in Suffolk, and Duke of Gloucester Barracks.

In the second phase of the project, over 1,200 roof-mounted solar panels have been installed across Army garrisons on Salisbury Plain Training Area. Other military sites, including Kinloss Barracks and Glencorse Barracks in Scotland, Bassingbourn Barracks in Cambridgeshire, the Military Corrective Training Centre in Colchester, Larkhill Garrison in Wiltshire, and the Army Air Corps Centre in Hampshire, are all being considered for similar solar installations in the coming years.