Construction of the British Army’s first solar powered carport has begun at Army Headquarters, Andover.
Funded by the Defence Innovation Fund, this 40-space carpark with 10 double chargers for up to 20 Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV), is the first of its kind to be delivered on the Army Estate. Part of Project Taurus, the solar carport will be completed in November 2021 for use by Service personnel, civil servants and the Army’s white fleet users.
“Project Taurus showcases the Army's commitment to reduce our dependency on traditional fossil-fuelled vehicles whilst increasing renewable energy supply". Major General Southall, Director Basing and Infrastructure and the Army’s Sustainability Champion
Major General Southall, Director Basing and Infrastructure and the Army’s Sustainability Champion said: “Project Taurus showcases the Army's commitment to reduce our dependency on traditional fossil-fuelled vehicles whilst increasing renewable energy supply. As well as providing power for our work vehicles (white fleet), the solar powered, battery stored carports will enable the move to ULEV by providing convenient charging points at the workplace for personal use.
“We aim to roll out at scale across the Army estate in the years ahead with construction of this first solar carport in Andover forming part of our wider Army sustainability programme delivering against the collective commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2050 "
This Army Defence Innovation pilot has been developed to understand and test the potential of both ULEV and energy cost reduction. With carbon efficiency savings as well as monetary savings, Project Taurus offers an opportunity for organisational improvement as well as new ways of sustainable working across the Defence Estate as part of the Clean Growth Strategy.
The solar carport will be delivered by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and their delivery partner Amey.
Kas Chaudhry, DIO Programme & Project Advisor said: “I’m proud to be part of this project which will lead to cost savings as well as being a ‘greener’ alternative to standard vehicle refuelling. At DIO we’re keen to be as environmentally friendly as possible and It’s exciting to think of the changes this pilot might lead to.”
Keiron Shaw, Project Manager, Amey said: “Project Taurus has been an exciting development to manage. Everyone involved from the client, to our supply chain partners, have been keen to come together to make this work; the best part of my job is seeing an idea, turn in to a reality.
“This solar carport, and those that follow, are a practical solution for many who may have been apprehensive about adopting electric vehicles and symbolises the forward-thinking nature of our armed forces, beyond their day to day role of defending our nation’s security.
“The project gives a lot back to the site, and with sustainability at its heart, it will give back to future generations to come.”