Centrica completes construction of Army’s first solar farm

Centrica has completed the construction of the British Army’s first solar farm, part of a £200 million project designed to increase the force’s use of renewable energy.

The 2.3 MW project, the first of four pilot sites, was constructed by Centrica Business Solutions at The Defence School of Transport (DST) at Leconfield in East Yorkshire.

It forms part of the Army’s 10-year Project Prometheus investment and is made up of more than 4,000 solar panels spanning approximately four hectares. It is projected to save 700 tonnes of carbon emissions and cut electricity bills by one third annually at the DST.

Centrica said a majority of the energy generated will be used to power the facility, while any surplus will be exported to the grid.

It is estimated that across the four sites there will be £1 million in efficiency savings and 2,000 tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) saved annually, with the money due to be reinvested into essential Army infrastructure.

Greg McKenna, managing director of Centrica Business Solutions, said: “It’s been a privilege to work alongside the Army to deliver its first major solar scheme here at DST Leconfield.

“It will require a monumental effort to reach net zero, but by showing leadership on sustainability and carbon reduction, the Army has put in place a template which the rest of the public sector and industry can replicate.”

Major general David Southall, director of basing and infrastructure, said: “Our first operational solar farm at Leconfield marks a key milestone in the Army’s go-green agenda; it showcases our firm commitment to tackle the effects of climate change, harnessing renewable energy to power our estate.”