Army's Narengi Military Station goes Green with Renewable Energy

In an effort to combat climate change, the Army has undertaken a significant initiative to transform the Narengi Military Station in Guwahati into a fully renewable-based military facility. As part of this endeavour, the Army has recently installed a green solar energy plant with a capacity of 1 MW (Mega Watt) at the military station to provide sustainable power for the troops. The solar energy plant utilizes locally manufactured solar panels from the 'Make in India' initiative. The Army officials have expressed their plans to expand the solar energy plant to reach a capacity of 3 MW in the near future. The objective behind this expansion is to ensure a reliable power supply in high-altitude areas, thereby improving the living conditions of the personnel stationed there. To monitor and analyze power generation, a Real-Time Data Acquisition and Required Parameter Monitoring system has been implemented. This system incorporates various weather parameter sensors, including wind direction, wind speed, solar radiation, humidity, temperature, and barometric pressure sensors. The current solar energy plant has successfully generated approximately 0.7 MW of power. Major General RK Jha, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 51 Sub Area at Narengi, emphasized the Army's commitment to adopting solar power by stating their plans for a 1 MW solar power plant and utilizing rooftops for solar panel installation. The Army aims to minimize its carbon footprint and actively engages in large-scale tree plantation initiatives across the Narengi Military Station's vast expanse of 3,300 acres, with only 300 acres designated for built-up structures. Major General Jha further stated the importance of harnessing solar and wind energy, along with adopting new technologies, to achieve complete sustainability. The Army's overarching goal is to significantly reduce its carbon footprint, with a target of a 50 per cent reduction within the next 5 to 10 years.