Pennsylvania’s natural gas resources have played a large role in charting the future of energy, and an expanded partnership at the Pittsburgh International Airport shows how tapping abundant, clean shale gas can transform key economic sectors like transportation, aviation and heavy industry while generating significant manufacturing opportunities for the region.
Building on a longstanding relationship with the Pittsburgh Airport, CNX Resources Corp. announced a new phase to produce natural gas onsite to be converted to alternative fuels like LNG, CNG, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and electricity.
“Our industry continues to find new and innovative ways to put our clean and abundant natural gas resources to work in ways that better our lives, improve communities and reduce emissions,” MSC’s Callahan said of the move.
“This new phase of the CNX-PIT partnership, driven by technological advancements and stakeholder collaboration, reflects the long-term benefits, economy-wide growth opportunities and staying power of affordable, locally-produced natural gas.”
CNX and PIT’s goal is to create a sustainable fuel hub on airport grounds utilizing locally-sourced, lower-cost, and lower-carbon intense natural gas as an LNG and CNG fueling depot for everything from mass transit, aviation, cargo, military, and other energy-intense industries.
The joint initiative comes as Governor Wolf announced a statewide goal to secure federal support for a hydrogen and low-carbon hub in the Pittsburgh area.
“As a national leader in energy and manufacturing with a strong workforce, Pennsylvania is primed for this opportunity to lead the transition to a new energy ecosystem,” Governor Wolf said in a press release.
It’s innovative partnerships and investments like this that’s the prime reason researchers say “fracking has fueled the Pittsburgh economy.”
Regional business, industry, labor and elected leaders hailed the project as a clear indicator of the undeniable environmental and sustained economic benefits associated with continued natural gas production, transportation and use.
Here’s more on what they’re saying:
- MSC’s Callahan on WPHT: “Natural gas is the sharpest tool that we have to solve climate change.”
- Christina Cassotis, CEO, Pittsburgh International Airport: “Natural gas and derivative products provide a path for the transportation industry both to reduce carbon emissions in the short-term while working toward a goal of net-zero…This is Pittsburgh innovation at work. We believe this strategy can have a global impact.”
- Pittsburgh Works Together: “Affordable, reliable energy is the foundation of strong societies and robust economies that provide stability and quality of life to people everywhere. As we develop technologies that will help us reach carbon-reduction goals, the energy industry and Pennsylvania natural gas will be critical now and in the future.”
- Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry: “Pennsylvania has kept this nation strong on energy for more than 150 years, and we’re glad to see the spirit of innovation is alive and well with this exciting announcement from CNX and the Pittsburgh Airport.”
- Jeff Kotula, President, Washington County Chamber of Commerce: “Innovative energy partnerships such as the one between CNX and Allegheny County Airport Authority continue to demonstrate that the power to prosper is right under our feet.”
