Powering Progress Through Energy
July 1, 2025
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Pittsburgh International Airport: A Microgrid Built for the Future
From powering terminals to fueling jets, PIT is leading a clean energy transformation through resilient infrastructure and regional innovation.
In a region where innovation meets energy, Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is redefining what it means to power essential infrastructure—efficiently, sustainably, and independently
In 2021, PIT became the first airport in the world to be fully powered by a microgrid. Fueled by natural gas sourced on-site and paired with a solar array, the system is capable of operating entirely off the traditional electric grid. But energy leadership at PIT doesn’t stop there. The airport is also developing a $1.5 billion sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrogen production hub in partnership with CNX Resources and KeyState Energy—designed to replace up to 70 million gallons of traditional jet fuel annually.
Together, the microgrid and SAF initiatives form a comprehensive clean energy strategy: one that addresses both operational power and transportation fuel while advancing regional decarbonization, grid resilience, and energy independence. It’s more than just a power solution—it’s a resilient, cost-saving, and forward-thinking infrastructure model for the entire energy sector, and a blueprint for airports and innovation hubs around the world (Allegheny County Airport Authority, 2023).
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The PIT microgrid showcases how a hybrid energy model can support high-demand infrastructure while lowering emissions and improving operational resilience. Its 23-megawatt capacity—20 MW from natural gas and 3 MW from solar—is enough to power over 13,600 homes. The system supports PIT’s peak demand of 14 MW, leaving capacity for future growth, including EV charging and expanded terminal operations.
Beyond performance, the microgrid is reducing carbon emissions by over 6 million pounds annually and saving the airport and its partners over $1.5 million each year (Allegheny County Airport Authority, 2023). By utilizing both natural gas and solar, the project demonstrates how energy-intensive industries can meet decarbonization goals while maintaining economic viability.
In addition to the 3 MW solar capacity that powers PIT’s microgrid, the airport is expanding its solar field through a new partnership with Duquesne Light Company and IMG Energy Solutions. The expansion adds 11,216 high-efficiency solar panels across 12 additional acres of capped landfill, delivering 4.7 MW of clean energy directly to the regional electric grid
This initiative will reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 5 million pounds annually, reinforce regional grid resilience, and further position the Pittsburgh region as a national energy innovator. The expanded solar field, set for completion in 2027, will more than double PIT’s solar production capacity—maximizing the airport’s property assets for long-term sustainability and energy leadership.
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This microgrid was only possible through Pittsburgh’s hallmark public-private collaboration. The airport partnered with CNX, Peoples Natural Gas, IMG Energy Solutions, and numerous local engineering firms to design, build, and maintain the system. Today, they partner with Cordia, who purchased the on-site generation from Peoples. It also leveraged regional thought leadership from Carnegie Mellon University, the Hillman Foundation, and policy advocates across sectors.
Together, they delivered a first-of-its-kind project that’s already being studied by airports, hospitals, and innovation hubs around the globe (Allegheny County Airport Authority, 2023).
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Pennsylvania’s policy environment helped make this project possible. The ability to develop on capped landfills, the support of the PA Department of Environmental Protection, and the existence of alternative energy credits all played a role.
With recent reforms to the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) and a continued “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, the state is positioned as a national leader for innovation in energy infrastructure (Allegheny County Airport Authority, 2023; PRA, n.d.-b).
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The Allegheny Conference on Community Development (ACCD) and Pittsburgh Regional Alliance (PRA) provided support through project coordination, permitting navigation, and promotional amplification. Their “concierge-style” services helped clear the path to success by aligning public and private stakeholders and highlighting the opportunity for a globally relevant energy solution right here in Western Pennsylvania.
This project is a blueprint for future energy development: cross-sector collaboration, local fuel, innovative tech, and full support from regional economic development leaders.
The Microgrid by the Numbers
5
Five natural gas-fueled Jenbacher generators provide approximately 20 MW of electricity (Allegheny County Airport Authority, 2023).
10,000
Nearly 10,000 solar panels atop a capped landfill contribute 3 MW, totaling 23 MW—enough to power 13,600+ homes.
14
PIT’s peak demand is 14 MW, allowing ample capacity for future growth.
$1.5 million
Over $1.5 million saved annually in electricity costs.
6+ million
6+ million pounds of carbon emissions are reduced annually.
11,216
An added 11,216 solar panels will generate 4.7 MW of clean energy to supply the regional electric grid, reinforcing Pittsburgh’s renewable energy leadership.
20 Year
Built at no cost to the airport, under a 20-year Energy Service Agreement with ownership reverting at the term’s end.
Excess power is sold back to the grid, generating additional regional value.
PIT’s growing clean energy campus—including its upcoming hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel hub—is projected to support thousands of future union jobs and further strengthen the region’s clean energy workforce.
Why Pittsburgh
PIT sits atop the Marcellus Shale, with direct access to local fuel and a history of energy expertise. Its innovation-forward leadership, collaborative partners, and supportive state policies make it a natural home for pioneering energy projects. Pittsburgh’s global leadership in energy resilience starts here.
The Bottom Line
Pittsburgh International Airport’s microgrid is more than a success story—it’s a symbol of what the Pittsburgh region can deliver: smart infrastructure, clean energy solutions, and a powerful foundation for business growth. As the Allegheny Conference and its partners continue to champion the energy sector, PIT’s microgrid stands as a flagship project, illuminating the path forward.
References
Allegheny County Airport Authority. (2024) Keeping PIT Green & Clean: Sustainability at the Airport. https://youtu.be/0T7dG4lIXaA?si=zWUmHbMLs1V4Zi8n
Allegheny County Airport Authority. (2023). Microgrid Case Study: Setting the Standard for Resilient Power in the Aviation Industry. https://flypittsburgh.com
Allegheny Conference on Community Development. (n.d.-a). Regional strategy and energy priorities. https://www.alleghenyconference.org/
Pittsburgh Regional Alliance. (n.d.-b). Energy Sector Overview. https://pittsburghregion.org/industries/energy/
Allegheny County Airport Authority. (2024) PIT’S MICROGRID: 5 Natural Gas-Fired Generators and 9,390 Solar Panels. https://youtu.be/tAHoifluuT8?si=Th3GcgKixlZwU5g1
Allegheny County Airport Authority. (2020) Blue Sky News. https://blueskypit.com/powering-the-airport-pits-microgrid-an-innovative-force-of-resiliency/
Burns Group. (n.d.) Pittsburgh International Airport, Resilient Microgrid Project Support. https://www.burns-group.com/project/pittsburgh-international-airport-microgrid-support/
LLI Engineering (n.d.). Pittsburgh International Airport Microgrid. https://www.lliengineering.com/projects/pitairportmicrogrid
Allegheny County Airport Authority. (2021) Pittsburgh International Airport Goes Live with First-of-Its-Kind Microgrid Powering Entire Facility with Natural Gas and Solar Energy. https://flypittsburgh.com/acaa-corporate/newsroom/news-releases/pittsburgh-international-airport-goes-live-with-first-of-its-kind-microgrid-powering-entire-facility-with-natural-gas-and-solar-energy/
PIT Transformed. (2021). Construction Jobs and Economic Impact. https://www.pittransformed.com/newsroom/facts-figures/
CNX. (May 15, 2024). KeyState, CNX Advancing Transformational Hydrogen and Sustainable Aviation Fuel Hub at Pittsburgh International Airport. https://investors.cnx.com/news-releases/2024/05-15-2024-114532918
Pittsburgh Business Times. (January 30, 2025). Sustainable aviation fuel plant at Pittsburgh airport could benefit from Shapiro’s energy plan. https://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2025/01/30/sustainable-aviation-fuel-project.html
Duquesne Light Company. (April 29, 2025). Pittsburgh International Airport, Duquesne Light Company and IMG Energy Expanding Airport Solar Field. https://newsroom.duquesnelight.com/pittsburgh-international-airport-duquesne-light-company-and-img-energy-expanding-airport-solar-field