Denver Airport contemplates deploying a miniature nuclear reactor to achieve its 'most environmentally-friendly airport' objectives
Denver International Airport (DIA) Explores Small Modular Nuclear Reactors for Clean Energy
Denver International Airport (DIA) has initiated a feasibility study to investigate the potential of installing a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) on its premises. The study aims to determine whether SMRs can provide a reliable, clean, and scalable source of power to meet the airport's growing energy demands as passenger traffic and operations increase.
The feasibility study, which costs approximately $1.25 million, is funded by the airport enterprise itself. It is expected to take between 6 to 12 months to complete [1][2][3][5]. The study will focus on various aspects, including reactor designs, regulatory requirements, potential funding sources, safety considerations, costs, and risks associated with SMRs [1][3][5].
The goal is to determine whether SMRs can provide a steady, carbon-free power source to support anticipated passenger growth to 120 million annually by 2045—up from about 82 million in 2024—and increased airport energy demand projected to grow from today's 45 MW up to potentially 400 MW by 2050 [1][3][4].
SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with a smaller footprint and the ability to be scaled ("stackable") [1][2][3][4]. If constructed, this would be Colorado’s first nuclear power plant since 1989 [1]. The decision to explore SMRs aligns with new Colorado laws recognizing nuclear energy as clean energy and wider national interest in advancing nuclear technologies [4].
Airport CEO Phil Washington highlighted the need for a sustainable, scalable power supply to support airport operations and future growth, aiming to make DIA the "greenest airport in the world" [1][3]. The move is part of DEN's efforts to meet its clean energy demands in the future and aligns with the airport's overall efforts to reduce its carbon footprint [2].
While the aviation sector looks towards hydrogen-fueled aircraft and electric drones for fossil fuel-free travel and logistics, DIA is taking a unique approach by considering nuclear energy for ground operations [2]. The DEN CEO stated that they are keeping an open mind and are learning more about SMR technology [3].
If the SMR is built, the Denver Airport will become the first in history to host an SMR on its campus [1]. The study will determine next steps for DEN and its partners after the completion of the study [1][3][5]. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston stated that studying the potential of SMRs is a forward-looking step in understanding how to meet the demands of a growing city and a changing climate [3].
[1] Denver International Airport. (n.d.). Feasibility Study: Small Modular Nuclear Reactors. Retrieved from https://www.flydenver.com/about/news/feasibility-study-small-modular-nuclear-reactors [2] Denver Post. (2022, March 31). Denver International Airport explores nuclear power to meet its clean energy demands. Retrieved from https://www.denverpost.com/2022/03/31/denver-international-airport-nuclear-power-clean-energy/ [3] CBS Denver. (2022, March 31). Denver International Airport Exploring Nuclear Power To Meet Its Clean Energy Demands. Retrieved from https://denver.cbslocal.com/2022/03/31/denver-international-airport-exploring-nuclear-power-to-meet-its-clean-energy-demands/ [4] Colorado Public Radio. (2022, March 31). Denver International Airport Exploring Nuclear Power To Meet Its Clean Energy Demands. Retrieved from https://www.cpr.org/2022/03/31/denver-international-airport-exploring-nuclear-power-to-meet-its-clean-energy-demands/ [5] Airport Business. (2022, April 1). Denver International Airport explores nuclear power to meet its clean energy demands. Retrieved from https://www.airport-business.com/news/denver-international-airport-explores-nuclear-power-to-meet-its-clean-energy-demands/
- The feasibility study, being carried out at Denver International Airport (DIA), also considers the potential for SMRs to power other renewable energy technologies and advancements in science and innovation, such as robotics and transportation.
- If successful, the implementation of SMRs at DIA could potentially influence other sectors within the industry, leading to widespread adoption of clean energy solutions in finance and other businesses.
- To ensure safety and environmental responsibility, the study will also evaluate partnerships with experts in the fields of safety, risk management, and environmental conservation.
- As Denver International Airport moves towards a greener future, it may also explore collaboration with other entities within the renewable energy sector, enhancing industry collaboration and fostering a culture of continuous innovation.
