Representatives from PIT at its partners in front of the solar array at Pittsburgh International Airport – credit, BlueSky News / PIT, via Flickr.

An inspiring journey of transformation at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)! This heartwarming good news story showcases how the airport is turning a once-neglected landfill into a beacon of sustainability, paving the way for a greener future.

It’s an exciting time at Pittsburgh International Airport, as the facility is expanding its commitment to renewable energy. Located adjacent to the airport, an old landfill site is being transformed into a solar farm, set to generate a remarkable 4.7 megawatts of energy.

This new capacity will have a significant impact, preventing the release of around 5 million pounds of CO2 that would normally come from burning fossil fuels. It’s a huge step in the right direction for the environment and for the community.

PIT isn’t starting from scratch; it already houses its own solar and natural gas microgrid, contributing a robust 23 megawatts. This system not only powers the airport efficiently but also offers surplus energy to nearby homes and businesses. When the sun isn’t shining, the microgrid switches to natural gas, ensuring the airport’s energy needs are always met.

As PIT‘s CEO Christina Cassotis puts it, “We’re maximizing the use of airport assets for the betterment of the region—from air service to real estate development to energy innovation.” And the excitement doesn’t stop there.

Looking into the future, the airport has plans to establish a mini-refinery dedicated to sustainable aviation fuel, with the solar farm expected to become operational by 2027 according to Elektrek. For those glancing out from their windows, they may just spot this beacon of environmental progress illuminating the sky.

The project underscores the relevance of PIT’s innovative solutions, especially when considering recent power outages impacting major airports like London Heathrow and those in Spain and Portugal. The energy independence provided by PIT’s microgrid not only enhances resilience but also saves the airport about $1 million annually on electricity costs.