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The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced this week that Newark Liberty International Airport‘s 5-megawatt solar project at the Terminal A parking garage has generated 1 gigawatt hour of power after just two months of operation.

The installation at the newly built Terminal A parking garage is the single largest solar rooftop project at any airport in the country.

Gov. Phil Murphy says that with the announcement, Newark Liberty continues to bolster its standing as a world-class transportation hub that is not only modern and welcoming but equipped to confront the challenges of our worsening climate crisis.

“Indeed, as we continue to pursue a 100% clean-energy economy and a greener New Jersey, every institution and agency has a crucial role to play,” said Murphy in a press release. “While advancing PANYNJ‘s critical efforts to prioritize sustainability, the unveiling of this project testifies to the significant progress we can – and will – achieve toward making our state greener and more resilient for generations to come.”

The solar panels were installed by ENGIE North America (ENGIE), a leader in energy transition. The canopy structure that sits atop the parking garage serving the new Terminal A features 12,708 solar panels covering 364,000 square feet – the equivalent of more than six football fields – and is expected to generate enough energy to power more than 800 homes.

“ENGIE is proud to support the Port Authority’s ambitious sustainability targets, aligned with our mission to accelerate the global transition toward net-zero carbon,” said Stefaan Sercu, ENGIE’s chief energy solutions officer. “Our team is excited to be an integral part of the Port Authority’s modern approach to becoming a more sustainable airport with the largest solar project build out of any airport structure in the country, while improving operations efficiency and reducing emissions.”

The parking garage also includes more than 150 electric vehicle (EV) chargers, which feature sophisticated load management software so that charging is shared smartly from the garage’s solar energy, ensuring appropriate power output for the number of cars and duration someone will park there.

The Port Authority notes that the new Terminal A, which NJBIZ has reported extensively on, was designed and constructed to achieve LEED silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. It features a slew of sustainability features, including:

• Water efficient fixtures that save more than 45% on potable water demand;
• A “cool roof” and light-colored pavements to reduce heat gain on the building and heat-island effect on the surrounding environment;
• Energy-efficient indoor lighting and controls;
• Solar photovoltaic system on the western entrance canopy;
• Materials with recycled content; and
• Regionally procured, low-emitting materials and paints to improve indoor air quality.

“As part of our longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing the emission of greenhouse gases in the New York and New Jersey region, the agency has made significant investments, such as these projects, in solar energy and other renewable energy sources,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole, noting projects at other area airports the Port Authority oversees.

“The agency recognizes the transformative potential of solar energy,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “We have established a goal of achieving greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. These projects at JFK and Newark Liberty are part of the Port Authority’s aggressive climate action plan to meet the demands of a growing region by embarking on an unprecedented program to build the next generation of world-class infrastructure all while focusing on reducing our environmental impact.”