The headquarters of the Army, based in Andover, is set to receive a “first-of-its-kind” facility as the armed forces look to cut their emissions.

A solar powered carport will be built at The Marlborough Lines as part of plans to slash the amount of carbon dioxide produced by the Ministry of Defence. It will be used as a template for similar carports to be built across MoD land in the coming years as part of Project Taurus.

Major General Southall, director of 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, 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 "

The carport will provide 10 double chargers for 20 electric vehicles, and will be available to service personnel, civil servants and non-combat military vehicles, known as the white fleet.

The news follows the publication of the Ministry of Defence’s Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Approach report, which identifies climate change and global warming as a “threat” to UK security, either through the impacts of climate change on the nation or by the changes it will cause to the political scene around the world.

The report details that the MoD produces half of all carbon emissions from central government, which it is seeking to reduce in the coming decades through the introduction of greener fuels, new vehicles and becoming more self-sufficient.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) will form a key part of this change, with Kas Chaudhry, DIO programme & project advisor, saying: “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.”

The work is due to be completed by November 2021.