SECI, DRDO Sign MoU to Develop 300 MW Renewable Energy Projects for Defence Sector

In a significant move to bolster India’s defence preparedness and promote energy sustainability, the Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (SECI), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi.

The MoU exchange ceremony was attended by senior dignitaries, including Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, IAS, Secretary, MNRE and Chairman, SECI; Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, DDR&D & Chairman, DRDO; Shri Akash Tripathi, IAS, Managing Director, SECI; Dr. Manu Korulla, Director General (R&M), DRDO, along with senior officials from both organisations.

Under the MoU, SECI and DRDO will collaborate to develop and implement large-scale renewable energy projects across DRDO establishments nationwide, targeting an aggregate capacity of over 300 MW. SECI will Build, Own, and Operate (BOO) these projects to enhance energy resilience and reliability across critical defence facilities, contributing to India’s energy security and sustainability goals.

Speaking at the event, Shri Akash Tripathi, IAS, Managing Director, SECI, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “SECI is proud to partner with DRDO in this national endeavour to strengthen the Defence sector’s energy independence through clean and reliable renewable energy solutions. This collaboration reflects SECI’s commitment to support strategic institutions in achieving sustainability and self-reliance in power supply.”

Preparatory work has already begun for a 100 MW solar project at Chitradurga, Karnataka, with connectivity applied at the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS). The project will supply power to multiple DRDO establishments across India.

The partnership underscores the Government of India’s vision of aligning the energy transition with national security, ensuring that the country’s defence infrastructure is powered by clean, indigenous, and resilient energy systems.