British Army Enlists Larkhill Garrison Solar Array for Sustainable Energy Push

The British Army has taken a decisive leap toward sustainability, completing the installation of over 1,370 roof-mounted solar panels at Larkhill Garrison. This milestone underscores the Army’s steadfast commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050, aligning with its broader strategy to minimise environmental impact and transition toward greener operations.

These newly deployed photovoltaic (PV) panels won’t just power Larkhill’s facilities—they’ll do much more. Any surplus energy generated will be seamlessly fed into a private wire network, redistributing electricity to other key military sites, including Bulford, Tidworth, and Perham Down. This interconnected energy system enhances efficiency while reinforcing the Army’s shift toward renewable solutions.

This solar rollout forms part of Project Prometheus, the Army’s ambitious plan to deploy both ground—and roof-mounted solar arrays across multiple sites. The project's scale reflects a deliberate move to integrate sustainable energy into military infrastructure, cutting carbon emissions while ensuring operational resilience.

At the official switch-on ceremony held on March 26, Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director of Basing & Infrastructure and the Army’s Sustainability Champion, hailed the project as a resounding success. “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.”

He highlighted that, in recent years, nearly 11,000 solar panels have been installed across the Salisbury Plain Training Area, covering an expansive 18,000m² of roof space. The result? An annual carbon reduction of approximately 600 tonnes—equivalent to the amount of CO2 absorbed by an astonishing 27,000 trees.

Executing a project of this magnitude required strong collaboration. Aspire Defence Services Ltd carried out the entire solar installation, working in tandem with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) under Project Allenby/Connaught. This partnership ensured the seamless integration of solar technology into the Army’s infrastructure, delivering both environmental and operational benefits.

With Project Prometheus's momentum growing, this solar initiative at Larkhill marks just the beginning of a larger transformation—one that could redefine how the Army approaches energy, sustainability, and self-sufficiency in the years ahead. A brighter, cleaner future is on the horizon.

Barry Ray, DIO Regional Delivery Lead, commented on the project's success: “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.”