Royal Marines Install Renewable Micro-Grids for New Rifle Ranges
The UK Royal Marines are installing wind and solar micro-grids at Norton Manor Camp and RM Base Chivenor to power new 100-metre combat rifle ranges. Each range consumes 136 kW during live training, costing over £50,000 annually. Remote locations made grid connection expensive, so the micro-grids—featuring turbines, solar panels, and battery storage—will cut carbon emissions, reduce costs, and ensure uninterrupted training for high-readiness forces. The First Sea Lord formally opened the Anzio Range at Norton Manor.
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Royal Marines to power new rifle ranges with wind and solar
The Royal Marines plan to install renewable energy micro-grids at Norton Manor Camp and Royal Marines Base Chivenor to power new combat rifle ranges. The micro-grids will include two 15-metre wind turbines and solar panels, with battery storage for on-site use and surplus fed into the National Grid. The 100-metre modular ranges support individual and collective training, consuming 136 kilowatts during live fire, equivalent to 18 homes, with annual electricity costs over £50,000. The remote locations made grid connection expensive, so the micro-grid approach was chosen to reduce carbon emissions, cut costs, and ensure uninterrupted training. Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Emptage stated the project demonstrates innovation and cross-government partnership for operational advantage and net zero goals.
UK Defence JournalRoyal Marines to power new rifle ranges with wind and solar
The Royal Marines will install renewable energy micro-grids at Norton Manor Camp and Royal Marines Base Chivenor to power new combat rifle ranges. Each site will feature two 15-metre wind turbines and solar panels, with battery storage for on-site use and surplus fed into the National Grid. The modular 100-metre ranges support individual and collective training, including marksmanship and building clearance tactics. The First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, formally opened the Anzio Range at Norton Manor. Each range consumes 136 kilowatts during live training, equivalent to 18 homes, with annual electricity costs over £50,000. Powerful ventilation systems are required to manage lead and smoke. The remote locations made grid connection expensive, so the micro-grid approach was chosen to reduce carbon emissions, cut costs, and ensure uninterrupted training for high-readiness forces. Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Emptage said the project demonstrates innovation and cross-government partnership for operational advantage and Net Zero goals.
UK Defence JournalRoyal Marines to power new rifle ranges with wind and solar
The Royal Marines are installing renewable energy micro-grids at two bases—Norton Manor Camp and Royal Marines Base Chivenor—to power new combat rifle ranges. Each micro-grid includes two 15-metre wind turbines, solar panels, and battery storage. The modular 100-metre ranges support individual and collective training, including marksmanship and building clearance tactics. The First Sea Lord formally opened the Anzio Range at Norton Manor. Each range consumes 136 kilowatts during live training, equivalent to 18 homes, with annual electricity costs exceeding £50,000. Powerful ventilation systems are required to prevent hazardous lead and smoke buildup. The remote locations made grid connection expensive, so the micro-grid approach was chosen. The system reduces carbon emissions and ensures training continuity despite potential National Grid disruptions. Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Emptage stated the project demonstrates innovation and cross-government partnership, delivering operational advantage and advancing Net Zero objectives.
UK Defence JournalRoyal Marines to Power New Rifle Ranges with Wind and Solar Energy
The Royal Marines are installing renewable energy micro-grids at Norton Manor Camp and Royal Marines Base Chivenor to power new combat rifle ranges. The micro-grids will include two 15-metre wind turbines and solar panels, with battery storage for on-site use and surplus fed into the National Grid. The 100-metre modular ranges support individual and collective training for UK Commando Forces, including marksmanship and building clearance tactics. Each range consumes 136 kilowatts during live training, equivalent to 18 family homes, with annual electricity costs over £50,000. The remote locations made grid connection impractical, and the renewable approach ensures training continuity despite potential grid disruptions. Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Emptage RM stated the project demonstrates innovation and cross-government partnership, delivering operational advantage and advancing Net Zero objectives. First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins formally opened the facility at Norton Manor's Anzio Range.
UK Defence JournalRoyal Marines to power new rifle ranges with wind and solar
The Royal Marines will install renewable energy micro-grids at Norton Manor Camp and Royal Marines Base Chivenor to power new combat rifle ranges. The micro-grids, consisting of two 15-metre wind turbines and solar panels with battery storage, will reduce reliance on the National Grid and cut energy costs. Each 100-metre modular range consumes 136 kilowatts during live training, equivalent to 18 family homes, with annual electricity bills exceeding £50,000. The remote locations made grid connection impractical. The renewable energy source will also reduce carbon emissions and ensure uninterrupted training for high-readiness forces. Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Emptage stated the project demonstrates innovation and cross-government partnership to deliver operational advantage and advance net zero objectives.
UK Defence Journal