Pittsburgh International Airport became the first major airport powered by its own microgrid, combining natural gas generators with solar panels. This innovation saved $1 million in the first year and cut carbon emissions by 8.2 million pounds. Unlike Heathrow, which suffered crippling blackouts, Pittsburgh’s system provides reliable power for all airport operations. The 20-megawatt capacity system guarantees the facility stays operational during power outages. This blueprint offers lessons for critical infrastructure nationwide.
Pittsburgh International Airport made history in July 2021 when it became the first major airport in the world powered entirely by its own microgrid. This innovative power system combines five natural gas generators using on-site Marcellus Shale wells with 9,360 solar panels installed on 8 acres of closed landfill.
The 20-megawatt capacity system powers the entire facility, including airfield, terminals, and all airport operations. It’s enough electricity to power about 13,000 homes. The airport now uses the traditional power grid only as an emergency backup.
This power transformation has already shown major benefits. In its first year, the microgrid saved the airport $1 million and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 8.2 million pounds. The airport locked in low natural gas prices for five years, avoiding 15-20% rate increases that many other facilities faced during market volatility.
Unlike London’s Heathrow and other airports that have suffered crippling power outages, Pittsburgh now has increased resilience against blackouts. The system operates autonomously while maintaining a connection to the traditional grid for emergencies.
The microgrid was created through a 20-year agreement with Peoples Gas. The airport’s peak power demand is about 14 megawatts, and the solar panels can generate up to 13% of this demand. The system was completed on schedule despite COVID-19 related challenges during construction. The system continually overgenerates to handle surge demands and exports excess energy to the main power grid.
As part of the airport’s $1.39 billion terminal modernization program, the microgrid aligns with Pittsburgh’s goal to become the “smartest airport in the world.” Various key industry partnerships including CNX Resources, IMG Energy Solutions, and EIS Solar were instrumental in bringing this innovative project to life. The project exemplifies the growing economic benefits of clean energy as renewable sources become more cost-competitive than traditional power sources in many markets. There are plans to expand the solar field as more tenants subscribe to its virtual net-metering agreement.
The project represents a successful public-private partnership and has been recognized as an innovative solution in the aviation industry. It’s now seen as a blueprint for other airports and critical infrastructure facilities seeking energy independence while integrating sustainable power sources with traditional infrastructure.
