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24 Dec 2025·Source: The Indian Express
2 min
Environment & EcologyPolity & GovernancePolity & GovernanceNEWS

Defence Forces to Utilize Unused Land for Green Energy Initiatives

Indian defence forces plan to use unused land for green energy, aiming for carbon neutrality.

Defence Forces to Utilize Unused Land for Green Energy Initiatives

Photo by Thomas Richter

The Indian Armed Forces are planning to utilize their vast tracts of unused land for green energy projects, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality and contribute to national renewable energy goals. This initiative involves setting up solar power plants and other renewable energy infrastructure on defence land that is currently lying vacant or underutilized.

The move is part of a broader strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of the defence establishment, enhance energy security, and generate revenue. This policy aligns with India's commitment to climate change mitigation and sustainable development, showcasing how even critical sectors like defence can contribute to environmental goals while optimizing resource utilization.

Key Facts

1.

Indian Armed Forces plan to use unused defence land for green energy

2.

Aim to achieve carbon neutrality

3.

Setting up solar power plants and renewable energy infrastructure

4.

Part of broader strategy to reduce carbon footprint and enhance energy security

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

Environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation strategies.

2.

India's renewable energy targets and policies (e.g., National Solar Mission, Green Hydrogen Mission).

3.

Energy security and its implications for national defence.

4.

Resource optimization and efficient land utilization by government agencies.

5.

Inter-sectoral collaboration for achieving national development goals.

Visual Insights

India's Green Energy Ambition: Defence Sector's Role (2025)

This dashboard highlights India's ambitious renewable energy targets and the defence sector's contribution towards achieving them, emphasizing carbon neutrality and energy security.

Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity Target
500 GW

India's ambitious target to be achieved by 2030, announced at COP26. Defence initiatives contribute directly to this goal.

Estimated Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity
~245 GW+22.5% (YoY est.)

Current estimated installed non-fossil fuel capacity as of December 2025, showing rapid progress towards the 2030 target. Defence projects will further accelerate this.

Defence Carbon Neutrality Goal
Achieve Carbon Neutrality

The Indian Armed Forces' specific aim to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to national climate goals, showcasing sectoral responsibility.

Crude Oil Import Dependence
~88%

India's high reliance on imported crude oil underscores the strategic importance of indigenous renewable energy for energy security, a key driver for defence initiatives.

More Information

Background

India, as a signatory to the Paris Agreement, is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The defence sector, being a significant consumer of energy, has a crucial role to play in this transition. Historically, defence establishments have focused primarily on operational readiness and national security, with environmental considerations gaining prominence more recently.

Latest Developments

The Indian Armed Forces are now actively planning to utilize their vast tracts of unused or underutilized land for establishing green energy projects, primarily solar power plants. This initiative aims to achieve carbon neutrality within the defence establishment, contribute to India's national renewable energy targets (e.g., 500 GW by 2030), enhance energy security by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and potentially generate revenue. It aligns with India's broader commitments to climate change mitigation and sustainable development.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Armed Forces' green energy initiative and related national goals: 1. The initiative primarily aims to achieve carbon neutrality for the defence establishment. 2. India has set a target to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. 3. The PM-KUSUM scheme is specifically designed to promote solar energy adoption in defence establishments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 2 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct as per the news summary, which states the aim is to achieve carbon neutrality for the defence establishment. Statement 2 is correct; India has indeed set a target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030, a significant portion of which will be renewable energy. Statement 3 is incorrect; the PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) scheme is primarily aimed at farmers for installing solar pumps and grid-connected solar power plants on agricultural land, not defence establishments.

2. In the context of 'carbon neutrality' and 'net-zero emissions', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Carbon neutrality implies achieving a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. 2. Net-zero emissions can be achieved solely through drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. 3. India has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 only
  • B.1 and 2 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is correct. Carbon neutrality, or net-zero carbon dioxide emissions, means achieving a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere and the carbon removed from it. Statement 2 is incorrect. Net-zero emissions typically involve both reducing emissions as much as possible and offsetting the remaining emissions through carbon removal or sequestration technologies. It's not solely about drastic reduction. Statement 3 is incorrect. India has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, not 2050.

3. Which of the following statements correctly describes the 'energy security' aspect of the Indian Armed Forces' green energy initiative?

  • A.It aims to make India a net exporter of renewable energy to neighboring countries.
  • B.It seeks to reduce the defence establishment's dependence on external energy sources and fossil fuels.
  • C.It primarily focuses on developing indigenous technology for nuclear power generation.
  • D.It ensures uninterrupted power supply to civilian areas during national emergencies.
Show Answer

Answer: B

The news summary explicitly states that the initiative aims to 'enhance energy security'. In the context of a defence establishment, enhancing energy security primarily means reducing its vulnerability to disruptions in energy supply, which often comes from external sources or reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets. By generating its own power from renewable sources on its own land, the defence forces can achieve greater self-sufficiency and operational resilience. Option A, C, and D are not the primary or direct objectives of this specific initiative as described.

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