The new solar array we installed at Larkhill Garrison was officially opened at a ceremony recently, transforming 2.5 hectares of unused space into a source of clean, renewable energy for the British Army on Salisbury Plain. Aspire Defence Capital Works (ADCW) commissioned the project on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) as part of the Army’s Project Prometheus programme.
The new system comprises 4,020 solar modules with a total capacity of 1,728.6 kWp, across a new ground-mounted array and four rooftop installations. Together, they are expected to generate approximately 1.7 GWh of electricity each year, which is enough to power around 630 average UK homes.
Any additional surplus electricity will continue to be redistributed through a private wire network to neighbouring military sites at Bulford, Tidworth and Perham Down, strengthening energy resilience across the wider Salisbury Plain garrison community.
The environmental benefits are significant as the array is expected to offset around 352 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, supporting the Army’s contribution to the UK’s net-zero targets. A dedicated butterfly conservation area has also been created within the site to encourage biodiversity alongside the new infrastructure.
“Larkhill is a great example of how practical, well-executed renewable energy infrastructure can support both operational resilience and long-term sustainability goals for the Army estate,” said Matthew Shaw, our Managing Director. “Combining a substantial ground mount with four rooftop installations of a live defence site takes a lot of careful planning, but the results speak for themselves.”
The project forms part of the Army’s wider Project Prometheus programme which is delivering rooftop and ground-mounted solar technology across suitable sites on the defence estate.
Images
courtesy of Aspire Defence Services Limited