Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), in collaboration with Duquesne Light Company (DLC) and IMG Energy SolutionsA Liberty Energy Company, plans an extension of its solar field as part of the Energy Innovation Plans of the Airport. The project marks the first power purchase agreement of DLC, making clean energy more accessible to the Pittsburgh region.
The International Airport of Pittsburgh has ordered a Microgrid project that is partially powered by a 3-MW solar array. Blue Sky News/Pittsburgh International Airport
The expansion adds 11,216 highly efficient solar panels to the existing tanning field, which adds 4.7 MW of clean energy. The electricity that is generated from the new Zonneveld is delivered to the regional electric schedule.
The expansion of the sun is the newest energy initiative at PIT that increases the use of its property, which contributes to its existing on-site Microgrid, the first of its kind, and intends to produce sustainable aviation fuel on the spot. The sun expansion will be completed in 2027 and will be located next to existing solar panels near the exit of the airport of I-376.
“The expansion of more than 11,000 solar panels to the existing solar field of Pittsburgh International Airport is a fantastic step in the direction of a more sustainable energy future for our region,” said Sara Innamorato, Allegheny County Executive. “I am very happy that our airport is an energy leader and that our local partners in DLC and IMG are able to help realize important projects such as these.”
The new solar project is a supplement to the existing eight-hectare solar array of the airport by adding an additional 12 hectare on top of a closed landfill, otherwise not suitable for development.
“Pittsburgh International Airport is an energy leader and we are delighted to collaborate with Duquesne Light Company and IMG for this important regional project,” said Christina Cassotis, CEO of PIT. “We maximize the use of airport activa for the improvement of the region – from air service to real estate development to energy innovation, and there is more to come.”
The original eight hectares contain nearly 10,000 solar panels as part of the 23-MW Microgrid project of the airport, launched in 2021 as the first to feed an airport completely through natural gas and solar energy. The Microgrid increases the energy feud of the airports and lowers the costs.
“DLC is pleased to be part of this groundbreaking project that emphasizes the vision of Pittsburgh International Airport, as well as the power of public-private partnerships in making meaningful progress for the Pittsburgh region,” said Kevin Walker, President and CEO of DLC. “By expanding access to clean energy for local houses and companies, we help stimulate economic growth and bring our vision on a more sustainable future to life for everyone. This project is an important step in delivering more renewable energy to our communities, friends and neighbors.”
The extensive Zonneveld will be owned by and will be managed by IMG, with a commitment to deliver 100% of its generated energy, together with the credits for renewable energy, to DLC. This agreement ensures that DLC can use the clean energy to support the electricity needs of its standard service customers that do not select electricity supplier outside DLC.
“IMG is pleased to build on the success of the Pittsburgh International Airport Microgrid, which combines a highly efficient thermal generation with a solar array on utility scale, by more than doubling our existing solar energy production,” said Mike Brady, VP of the implementation of liberty.
News item from Pittsburgh International Airport
