Pittsburgh Embraces Sustainable Energy with New Solar Farm

Pittsburgh Embraces Sustainable Energy with New Solar FarmPittsburgh Embraces Sustainable Energy with New Solar Farm In a significant step towards achieving its climate goals, the City of Pittsburgh has unveiled a sprawling new solar farm in the Hazelwood neighborhood. The farm, with an impressive capacity of 5 megawatts, represents a major expansion of Pittsburgh’s renewable energy portfolio. “This project is a testament to Pittsburgh’s unwavering commitment to sustainability,” said Mayor Bill Peduto. “We are not just talking the talk; we are walking the walk.” The solar farm, owned and operated by Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar, is located on a 20-acre parcel of land adjacent to the city’s former steel mill site. It consists of over 16,000 solar panels that will generate enough clean energy to power approximately 1,000 homes. The project’s economic benefits are also substantial. It has created dozens of construction jobs and will provide ongoing maintenance and management opportunities. Additionally, the solar farm is expected to generate approximately $1 million in tax revenue over its 25-year lifespan. The Hazelwood solar farm is part of Pittsburgh’s broader plan to reduce its carbon footprint. The city has set ambitious goals to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. “This solar farm is a critical piece of our strategy to build a more sustainable and resilient city,” said Patrick Gaspard, President and CEO of the Allegheny County Economic Development Corporation. “It will help us reduce air pollution, create jobs, and ensure a cleaner future for generations to come.” The project has garnered widespread support from the community. Residents have expressed excitement about the positive environmental impacts and the potential for economic development. “We are proud to be a part of this historic project that will benefit our community and the environment for years to come,” said Hazelwood resident Rebecca Jackson. The Pittsburgh Solar Farm is a shining example of how cities can lead the way in combating climate change. It is a testament to the city’s unwavering commitment to creating a sustainable and prosperous future for all its residents.