Energy Efficiency, Solar, Sourcing Renewables  -  July 15, 2021

Pittsburgh International Airport Installs Microgrid

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) announced on July 13 that it became the first airport in the world to be completely powered by natural gas and solar energy. Its first-of-its kind microgrid increases resilience and maximizes public safety.

The power generated at PIT is the primary supply for the entire airport, including the terminals, airfield, Hyatt hotel and Sunoco. The airport will remain connected to the traditional electrical grid as an option for emergency or backup power if needed. The microgrid will generate power, in part, through onsite natural gas wells and 9,360 solar panels across eight acres. PIT is also setting to break ground on building a “smart” airport through its new terminal project.

"Our region has innovation in its DNA, and the construction of this microgrid reflects the work that has been done at the airport to maximize public safety and sustainability," Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said in a statement. "I'm extremely proud that the airport is utilizing nearly 10,000 solar panels as a source of sustainable energy. It, along with the other mix of energy generated at the airport, continues to position this facility as an industry leader. Congratulations to Christina, and the entire team, for their work on this important project." 

The Allegheny County Airport Authority Board of Directors in 2019 awarded Peoples Natural Gas a 20-year contract to build, maintain and operate the microgrid at no cost to the airport. In addition to boosting power resiliency and redundancy, the microgrid will achieve savings on electricity costs for the airport and tenants.

The microgrid is capable of producing more than 20 megawatts of electricity, the equivalent of powering more than 13,000 residential homes. The airport's current peak demand is approximately 14 megawatts. It will be powered by natural gas drilled on-site by CNX Resources, in addition to gas from the interstate pipeline system and solar generation. The project will offer a more efficient, sustainable and resilient source of energy. Crews started construction in July 2020 and completed the project on schedule even as the pandemic stalled the aviation industry last year.

"Pittsburgh International Airport is now one of the most site-hardened public facilities in the world while at the same time becoming more sustainable. That's a tribute to the innovative culture of our team, and we hope this project can be a model across the industry," Pittsburgh International Airport CEO Christina Cassotis also said in the statement.

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