Pittsburgh International Airport finishes gas- and solar-powered microgrid
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Pittsburgh International Airport announced the competition of its unique gas- and solar-powered microgrid last week, according to 90.5 WESA.
The microgrid is the first of its kind in the world and will have the capacity to provide all the energy the airport needs, operating independently from the traditional electric grid.
Although the microgrid can operate independently, it is still interconnected with the larger electric grid. In the event of an on-site problem with power generation, the airport can still draw electricity from the grid. Additionally, the interconnected microgrid can push power out to the grid.
The airport owns the land where the microgrid is located, but Peoples Gas operates the facility. There was no upfront cost, however, Pittsburgh International Airport signed a 20-year contract to buy their electricity from Peoples Gas.
Learn more: 90.5 WESA > Pittsburgh International Airport completes gas- and solar-powered microgrid
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Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.