Pittsburgh International Airport is once again pushing the boundaries of energy innovation, this time with a significant expansion of its solar field. Partnering with Duquesne Light Company (DLC) and IMG Energy Solutions, the airport announced on April 29 an ambitious project that will add 11,216 high-efficiency solar panels to its existing solar array. This expansion is not just about boosting local energy production; it’s about sparking a regional shift towards clean energy and economic development.
The new solar field, set to be completed by 2027, will generate an additional 4.7 MW of clean energy, reducing carbon emissions by approximately 5 million pounds annually. This is a substantial leap forward, especially considering the airport’s existing eight-acre solar array, which contains nearly 10,000 panels. The electricity from the new panels will feed into the regional grid, aligning with DLC’s vision of a clean-energy future and making renewable energy more accessible for the Pittsburgh region.
This project is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships. “DLC is thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking project,” said Kevin Walker, president and CEO of DLC. “By expanding access to clean energy for local homes and businesses, we’re helping to drive economic growth and bringing to life our vision of a more sustainable future for all.”
The solar expansion is part of a broader energy innovation strategy at the airport. It complements the first-in-the-world microgrid launched in 2021, which powers the entire airport using natural gas and solar energy. This microgrid increases resiliency and reduces costs, setting a new standard for airports worldwide. But the airport isn’t stopping there. Plans are also in the works to produce sustainable aviation fuel on-site, further cementing its status as an energy leader.
“Pittsburgh International Airport is an energy leader,” said CEO Christina Cassotis. “We are maximizing the use of airport assets for the betterment of the region—from air service to real estate development to energy innovation and there’s more to come.”
The new solar project will be built on 12 acres of a closed landfill, land otherwise not suitable for development. This creative use of space is a stark reminder that innovation often comes from thinking differently about existing resources. It’s a strategy that could inspire other airports and industrial sites to rethink their underutilized spaces.
The expanded solar field will be owned and operated by IMG, with a commitment to supply 100% of its generated energy to DLC. This agreement ensures that DLC can utilize the clean energy to support the electricity needs of its default service customers. “IMG is excited to build on the success of the Pittsburgh International Airport microgrid,” said Mike Brady, vice president of Power Generation Execution at Liberty Energy. “This project reinforces our commitment to delivering flexible, high-performance energy solutions that provide reliable, low-emissions power.”
This project is more than just an expansion of a solar field; it’s a bold step towards a more sustainable future. It challenges the status quo, sparks debate about how we can better utilize our resources, and sets a new benchmark for energy innovation in the aviation sector. As Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato put it, “The expansion of more than 11,000 solar panels to Pittsburgh International Airport’s existing solar field is a fantastic step toward a more sustainable energy future for our region.” This is a future that’s not just clean and green, but also economically vibrant and resilient. And it’s a future that’s taking flight right now in Pittsburgh.
