Royal Marines to power new rifle ranges with wind and solar

The Royal Marines are to install renewable energy micro-grids at two of their bases to power new combat rifle ranges, reducing reliance on the National Grid and cutting energy costs, the UK Defence Journal understands.

Small energy farms comprising two 15-metre wind turbines and solar panelling will be created at Norton Manor Camp near Taunton, home to 40 Commando, and Royal Marines Base Chivenor, home to the Commando Logistic Regiment and 24 Commando Royal Engineers. Electricity generated will be stored in battery storage systems on site and used to power the ranges, with any surplus fed back into the National Grid.

The two modular 100-metre ranges will support individual and collective training for UK Commando Forces, covering marksmanship through to house and building clearance tactics. The First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, formally opened the facility at Norton Manor’s Anzio Range last week.

The power demands of the ranges are considerable. During live training, each range consumes around 136 kilowatts, equivalent to approximately 18 family homes, amounting to around 220 megawatt hours annually and an electricity bill of more than £50,000 per year. Powerful ventilation systems account for a significant portion of that demand, required to prevent dangerous build-ups of lead and other harmful substances during close-combat training involving constant fire, smoke and flash-bang devices.

According to the Royal Navy, the remote locations of both sites and limited existing electrical infrastructure made connecting to the grid expensive and impractical, making the micro-grid approach the preferred solution. The renewable energy primary source will also reduce carbon emissions associated with the high-demand facilities and ensure training for high-readiness warfighting forces is not interrupted by potential disruptions to the National Grid.

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Emptage RM, from Navy Force Generation, said the project “demonstrates how innovation and cross-government partnership can deliver direct operational advantage, strengthening our warfighting resilience by ensuring critical training continues regardless of disruption to external energy systems.” He added that the work advances Defence’s contribution to national Net Zero objectives while delivering “a more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective foundation for future capability.”