A solar field in the Steel City is being expanded at Pittsburgh International Airport, which is partnering with locally based Duquesne Light Company (DLC) and IMG Energy Solutions to bolster local energy production and economic development.
Located adjacent to existing solar panels just off of the airport’s exit from I-376, the expansion of the solar field, which will add 11,216 high-efficiency solar panels to the existing solar field, is part of the airport’s energy innovation plans to help make clean energy more accessible for the Pittsburgh region.
“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,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. “I’m thrilled that our airport is an energy leader and that our local partners in DLC and IMG are able to help make important projects like this a reality.”
The expansion will enable the generation of an additional 4.7 megawatts (MW) of clean energy, reducing carbon emissions by approximately five million pounds per year, according to the airport, which will supply the electricity generated from the new solar to the regional electric grid.
Expected to be completed in 2027, the solar expansion is the latest energy initiative at the airport, which is maximizing the use of its property, where it also plans to produce sustainable aviation fuel on-site.
The new solar project also will complement the airport’s existing eight-acre solar array by adding an additional 12 acres atop a closed landfill — land that it says would otherwise not be suitable for development.
“Pittsburgh International Airport is an energy leader, and we are thrilled to partner with Duquesne Light Company and IMG for this important regional project,” said Pittsburgh International Airport 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 original eight acres contain nearly 10,000 solar panels as part of the airport’s 23-MW microgrid project, launched in 2021 as the first to completely power an airport through natural gas and solar energy, Cassotis said.
“DLC is thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking project that highlights the vision of Pittsburgh International Airport, as well as the strength of public-private partnerships in delivering meaningful progress for the Pittsburgh region,” added 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 expanded solar field will be owned and operated by IMG, with a commitment to supply 100 percent of its generated energy, along with the Renewable Energy Credits, to DLC.
The agreement ensures that DLC can utilize the clean energy to support the electricity needs of its default service customers who do not actively select an electricity supplier outside of DLC.
“IMG is excited to build on the success of the Pittsburgh International Airport microgrid, which combines high-efficiency thermal generation with a utility-scale solar array, by more than doubling our existing solar energy production,” said Mike Brady, vice president of power generation execution at IMG’s parent company, Liberty Energy Inc. “We look forward to expanding our energy portfolio and leveraging the region’s abundant gas supply for resilient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly microgrids.”