The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has announced plants to expand Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)’s solar energy infrastructure program. The expansion will produce nearly 5.9 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity in its first year of operation and add approximately 5 megawatts of generating capacity to the facility. The project, developed with SunLight General Capital under a power purchase agreement, is expected to be complete in 2028. The Port Authority recently announced that it had met its interim goal of achieving a 35% reduction in direct emissions through 2025.
“Since day one, my administration has moved quickly to bring new, clean energy onto the grid and modernize our energy infrastructure — from launching six large-scale solar and battery storage projects to accelerating solar expansion statewide,” said New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill. ”We are continuing to lead with the Port Authority at Newark Liberty, and this project builds on that progress. This initiative will add nearly 5.9 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually, support new jobs, and move us closer to clean energy future. Newark Liberty is one of the front doors to New Jersey, and this project will show why we are a national leader in energy innovation.”
“Newark Liberty has been central to our sustainability story for years, home to the largest rooftop solar installation at any U.S. airport and the agency’s first fully decarbonized building,” added Port Authority chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Today we’re adding to that record with 5 megawatts of new solar capacity across five more sites, moving this airport and this agency even closer to net-zero emissions.”
“The scale of what we are building at Newark Liberty, in addition to our existing rooftop installations, reflects how seriously this agency takes its obligations to the communities around our facilities and to the broader challenge of climate change,” said Port Authority executive director Kathryn Garcia. “These five additional sites at the airport, together generating 5 megawatts, show that our net-zero commitment is more than wishful thinking. It is a construction schedule and a signed agreement, with the reality of clean energy coming online at one of the busiest airports in the country.”
“We are honored to partner with the Port Authority on such an exciting and meaningful project,” said SunLight General Capital chief investment officer Ed Klehe. “Expanding solar across Newark Liberty International Airport is a powerful example of how clean energy can be integrated into complex, high-impact infrastructure. The Port Authority has shown impressive environmental stewardship and a clear commitment to reducing emissions across its facilities, and SunLight General Capital is proud to help bring that vision to life through long-term ownership and operation of these solar systems.”
