Pittsburgh International Airport is partnering with Duquesne Light Co. and IMG Energy Solutions to expand the airport’s solar field and generate nearly 5 more megawatts of clean energy for the grid.
This partnership, which was announced Tuesday, will add 11,216 high-efficiency solar panels to the existing solar field. The expansion will increase the use of clean energy and reduce carbon emissions by about 5 million pounds per year.
The original 8-acre solar site contains nearly 10,000 panels and generates about 3.0 megawatts as part of the airport’s 23-megawatt microgrid project. Launched in 2021, it was the first project to completely power an airport through natural gas and solar energy.
The microgrid is powered by five natural gas generators that make up the majority of the airport power, airport spokesman Bob Kerlik said.
Mike Brady, vice president of power generation execution at Liberty Energy – which acquired IMG Energy earlier this year – said technology improvements will enable the new project to utilize more efficient hardware.
“We’ve installed 390-watt panels, but right now we’re able to purchase almost 600-watt panels, about a 40 to 45% improvement in the power density,” Brady said.
According to Brady, even with Pennsylvania’s cloudy weather being a concern, IMG still managed to exceed expectations with the amount of power being utilized in the project.
The electricity generated from the new solar field will be supplied to the regional electric grid, providing the region with additional renewable energy.
Pittsburgh International Airport CEO Christina Cassotis discusses the airport’s plans to expand its solar field during a news conference Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh International Airport.)
The expanded solar field will be owned and operated by IMG, and the agreement aims to provide Duquesne Light with clean energy.
“There’s no perfect source of energy, so having a different blend of technologies where they make sense is beneficial to everybody,” said Brady, who also noted that the economics of the project work in Pennsylvania.
“We’re trying to maximize the amount of space that was given to us by the airport, which is about 20 acres, and get as much solar density on that as we can.”
Brady said the project reinforces IMG’s commitment to delivering flexible, high-performance energy solutions that provide reliable, low-emissions power.
The solar expansion will add 4.7 megawatts of clean energy on an additional 12 acres of land just off the airport’s exit from I-376. The project, which will sit atop a closed landfill – land that otherwise would not be suitable for development — is set to be completed in 2027.
“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,” said Kevin Walker, CEO and president of Duquesne Light.
Brian Guzek, vice president of corporate strategy at Duquesne Light, described the energy model used by the airport as a positive example magnified across the country.
“The amount of energy that we are able to produce here is equivalent to a thousand homes,” Guzek said. “It’s really an example of how when teammates come together in a region we can do great things.”
Airport CEO Christina Cassotis referred to the airport as an “energy leader” and said she’s thrilled to work with Duquesne Light and IMG on the project.
“We are maximizing the use of airport assets for the betterment of the region – from air service to real estate development to energy innovation,” she said. “And there’s more to come.”
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