Duquesne Light Co. is advancing its solar power development plans with a new 15-year contract for a 4.7-megawatt solar expansion at Pittsburgh International Airport, marking its second major solar power agreement after overcoming earlier hurdles.
Background of Duquesne Light's solar initiative
In 2021, Duquesne Light received regulatory approval to sign a long-term, fixed-price solar power contract to diversify its energy supply and promote solar development in Allegheny and Beaver counties. They initially signed a 20-year agreement in 2022 for a 10-megawatt project in Armstrong County which later fell through due to issues with mineral rights.
New contract with IMG Energy
In 2023, Duquesne Light sought new bids and eventually contracted with IMG Energy for a 4.7-megawatt solar expansion at Pittsburgh International Airport. Land rights are secured, and this project, scheduled for completion in 2027, will connect to the regional grid to benefit all Duquesne Light customers, unlike the first phase which serves only the airport microgrid.
IMG Energy and Liberty Energy background
IMG Energy, originally a Pittsburgh-based small natural gas developer, is now a division of Liberty Energy, a Colorado-based fracking firm led by Chris Wright, current U.S. Department of Energy secretary. Liberty recently announced a partnership to build a natural-gas-powered industrial campus catering to data centers in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Renewable energy credits and Pennsylvania energy policy
Duquesne Light’s contract includes renewable energy credits (RECs) generated per megawatt-hour of solar energy, which help meet Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards established by law in 2004. The company expects over 8,000 credits from the airport project’s first year, as Pennsylvania’s Governor Josh Shapiro seeks to increase renewable energy requirements through his Lightning Plan.
