Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) has announced a major expansion of its solar energy capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and regional resilience. In a partnership with Duquesne Light Company and IMG Energy Solutions, the airport will add 11,216 solar panels atop a former landfill, significantly growing its existing solar field. The project, expected to be completed by 2027, will expand the current 8-acre solar array by an additional 12 acres. This new development will generate 4.7 megawatts of clean electricity, cutting carbon emissions by roughly 5 million pounds annually. While the additional energy will not directly power PIT’s microgrid, it will feed into the regional power system, supplying renewable energy to the broader community at no cost to the Allegheny County Airport Authority.
Microgrid Success and Future Energy Innovation
This solar expansion builds on Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) already impressive energy infrastructure. In 2021, the airport launched an award-winning microgrid powered by a combination of solar and locally sourced natural gas. This system enables PIT to operate independently of the main power grid, which has proven vital as global airports like London Heathrow and those in Spain and Portugal have experienced severe power outages. The microgrid has already saved PIT over $1 million annually in electricity expenses. Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is also pushing the boundaries of aviation sustainability with exploratory plans to produce synthetic aviation fuel on-site. If successful, it would become the first airport in the world to manufacture such fuel, further cementing its status as a global leader in airport energy innovation.
Regional Impact and Public-Private Collaboration
Local leaders praised the project as a model of effective public-private collaboration and regional progress. Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato highlighted the strategic use of PIT’s 8,800-acre campus, stating that the airport is “innovating and diversifying our energy portfolio for the entire region.” The project will also generate local employment, providing family-sustaining jobs as it moves forward. Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) CEO Christina Cassotis emphasized the broader value of these initiatives, saying the airport is maximizing its assets not just for air travel but for real estate development and energy leadership. Vince Gastgeb, PIT’s Chief Government and Corporate Affairs Officer, noted that the airport has already “set the global standard for resiliency,” and this new expansion only strengthens its reputation. IMG will own and operate the solar field and deliver all the generated power and Renewable Energy Credits to Duquesne Light. Mike Brady, Vice President at Liberty Energy (IMG’s parent company), reaffirmed the project’s goal of providing reliable, low-emission energy. Brian Guzek of Duquesne Light concluded, “The innovation that we see here at the airport continues to lead not just our region but the entire country and the world.”
