Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), Duquesne Light Company (DLC) and IMG Energy Solutions, a Liberty Energy company, have announced an expansion of the airport’s solar field, adding 11,216 high-efficiency solar panels to the existing solar field. The expansion, set to be completed in 2027 and located on a closed landfill adjacent to existing solar panels near I-376, will be owned and operated by IMG and enable the airport to source an additional 4.7 megawatts of clean energy and will reduce carbon emissions by 5 million pounds per year as well as provide the regional electric grid with renewable energy. The grid’s original eight acres installed in 2021 feature nearly 10,000 solar panels.
“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.”
“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 PIT 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.”
“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. This project represents an important step in delivering more renewable energy to our communities, friends and neighbors.”
“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 Liberty Energy. “Our expertise in thermal and renewable generation allows us to seamlessly integrate solar into critical infrastructure while meeting the evolving needs of our partners. This project reinforces our commitment to delivering flexible, high-performance energy solutions that provide reliable, low-emissions power. We look forward to expanding our energy portfolio and leveraging the region’s abundant gas supply for resilient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly microgrids.”
