Natural gas and renewable energy in Pittsburgh operations

Photo Credit: Scalo Solar Solutions LLC

Energy in Pittsburgh: Powering Innovation and Infrastructure

The Pittsburgh region is a leading energy hub, combining abundant natural resources with a growing portfolio of renewable and emerging energy technologies. Companies choose the region for its reliable energy supply, strong infrastructure, and access to innovation across the energy value chain.

Pittsburgh has been a center of energy production and innovation for more than a century. Today, the region continues to leverage its natural gas resources while expanding investment in nuclear energy, hydropower, geothermal, and biofuels—creating a diversified and resilient energy portfolio.

This balanced approach positions Pittsburgh to support both current energy demand and future transition strategies. Companies benefit from access to cost-competitive energy, established distribution networks, and proximity to major industrial and commercial markets.

The region is also advancing new energy technologies, including grid modernization, energy storage, and efficiency solutions. Partnerships between industry, research institutions, and government are accelerating innovation and commercialization across the sector.

Energy companies operating in Pittsburgh gain access to a strong ecosystem of support, including universities, research centers, and public-private initiatives that drive collaboration and long-term growth.

With a combination of resource strength, infrastructure, and forward-looking innovation, Pittsburgh offers a strategic advantage for companies across the energy sector.

 

 

 

“This region has been a hotbed of energy innovation for centuries where companies such as Westinghouse were founded over a hundred years ago.”

Caine Finnerty, President and CEO, Watt Fuel Cell
CAINE FINNERTY, PH.D.
PRESIDENT AND CEO,
WATT FUEL CELL

THE ECOSYSTEM

Powering a Global Economy

Pittsburgh's energy ecosystem includes Innovation Works
Photo Credit: Innovation Works

970

Firms

2,995+

Energy Completions (2021-2022)

29,000+

Energy Workforce

$16.2 Billion

GRP

Source: Lightcast, 2024

TALENT

Pittsburgh universities help to provide top energy talent
Photo Credit: Community College of Beaver County

70+

Universities & post-secondary CTE institutions

29,000+

employed in the Pittsburgh region’s energy industry

925

service unit operators; average wage $47,613*

1,230

electrical, electronic and electromechanical assemblers; average wage $41,395

2,995

energy industry-related degrees awarded (2021-2022)

1,112

construction laborers; average wage $50,930

1,061

operating engineers; average wage $61,530*

*Employee numbers and average wages in energy-related positions (2023 – 2024)

Energy Momentum in Pittsburgh

257

Expansions (2012-2022)

1,024

Patents (2008-2018)

17,485

Jobs (new and retained)

$147 Million

Dept. of Energy University-Based R&D (2017-2022)

$6.2 Billion

Capital Investment (2012-2022)

*Source: Lightcast, 2024

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Startup Genome Logo

Startup Genome, a global leader in ecosystem research, spotlights the Pittsburgh startup ecosystem as part of its network of 290+ ecosystems worldwide. Pittsburgh is ranked #31 in the top emerging ecosystems globally, with its advanced manufacturing/robotics, life sciences and space tech sectors recognized.  Pittsburgh has also notably experienced 42.6% growth in ecosystem value, per Startup Genome.

Industry Support

A researcher works at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Pittsburgh

National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL)

located in suburban Pittsburgh and focused on applied research for clean energy production and use of domestic energy resources, helping to reduce carbon emissions. One of only five such American facilities supporting the DOE with transformative science and technology solutions.

Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory

BETTIS Atomic Power Laboratory

a government-owned R&D facility in suburban Pittsburgh working exclusively on the design and development of nuclear power for the U.S. Navy.

University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering Energy Innovation Center

University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering Energy Innovation Center

This 18,600-square-foot laboratory and incubator at downtown Pittsburgh’s Energy Innovation Center represents Pitt’s initiative to provide more flexible, large-scale space for energy research and partnerships with industry. Lab focuses include renewable electric power technologies, high-temperature corrosion testing, next-generation energy conversion and storage technologies.

The Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation at Carnegie Mellon

The Wilton E. Scott Institute For Energy Innovation At Carnegie Mellon

a university-wide research initiative focused on improving energy efficiency and developing new affordable, sustainable, and green energy sources.

NATURAL & CLEAN ENERGY SUCCESS

Watt Fuel Cell

WATT FUEL CELL

Staff increase of over 500% since 2014

Doubling production of solid oxide fuel cell energy systems and stacks

Tenaska Westmoreland Generating Station

Tenaska Westmoreland Generating Station

$500M+ investment

940-MW, natural gas-fueled power plant in Westmoreland County

Rye Development series of hydroelectric power plants along Pittsburgh rivers

RYE Development

$480M investment

A series of hydroelectric power plants along Pittsburgh’s three rivers. The University of Pittsburgh has agreed to a power purchase of 100% of the renewable energy produced by the hydroelectric plants.

Contact Us

Patty Horvatich
Senior Vice President, Business Investment