Northeast Philadelphia Airport may soon operate entirely on solar power.

A significant development is underway at Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) with plans for a new solar array that aims to fully supply the airport’s energy needs. A proposed bill is currently pending approval from the City Council, which would allow a contractor to establish a 1.5-megawatt solar farm. This initiative would enable the city to procure energy for the airport under a 25-year fixed-rate agreement.

This solar project is poised to be the largest municipal on-site solar development within Philadelphia. While larger solar arrays exist in the private sector, this effort marks a notable investment in renewable energy under municipal management. The initiative reflects a collaborative effort between the city’s Department of Aviation, which oversees both PNE and Philadelphia International Airport, and the Philadelphia Energy Authority.

The Department of Aviation has expressed a strong commitment to transitioning to 100% renewable energy, which aligns with the city’s sustainability goals. The project is being spearheaded by Reactivate LLC, a subsidiary of Invenergy, based in Chicago. This company will manage construction, daily operations, and long-term maintenance of the solar array, ensuring that the city incurs no additional costs aside from purchasing the energy generated. With this model, the airport can benefit from stable energy pricing for decades, which is expected to save approximately 6,000 over the duration of the contract.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, a 1.5-megawatt solar system can generate sufficient electricity to power approximately 200 homes annually, underscoring the project’s significance in promoting renewable energy sources.

Katie Bartolotta, a vice president at the Philadelphia Energy Authority, noted that the project has been in development for several years. Previous plans to introduce a solar array at the airport were hindered in 2022 due to electrical grid connectivity issues, which have since been resolved. Urgent action is being prioritized to ensure the project benefits from expiring federal renewable energy tax credits.

The solar farm’s energy output will support daily operations at the airport, though it will not power aircraft, which rely on aviation-specific fuels. Officials anticipate the solar facility will commence energy production by December 31, 2027.

Philadelphia is already leveraging solar energy through various agreements with external solar farms, contributing to the city’s sustainability landscape. The bill endorsing this solar energy initiative is set to be introduced by Councilmember Brian J. O’Neill in the upcoming City Council session.

Northeast Philadelphia Airport occupies a sprawling 1,150 acres off Roosevelt Boulevard and Grant Avenue, serving primarily general aviation needs with single- and twin-engine planes, turboprops, helicopters, and jets among its regular traffic. The ongoing efforts to enhance the airport’s sustainability through renewable energy underscore Philadelphia’s commitment to a greener future.