Denver International Airport (DEN) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to conduct a feasibility study into the potential development of a small modular reactor (SMR) on its property. The move forms part of the airport’s long-term planning to meet growing energy needs and support its wider clean energy ambitions.
The proposed study will examine whether an SMR could provide a reliable, low-emission energy source for future airport operations.
Small modular reactors are a developing form of nuclear power generation. They are designed to be smaller and potentially more flexible than traditional nuclear facilities. Proponents suggest they could help supplement renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, particularly in applications requiring continuous power output.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said:Denver leads with bold ideas, and our vision for the future of our airport is no exception. As we work to make DEN the greenest airport in the world, we must explore every innovative solution available to meet the demands of a growing city and a changing climate. Studying the potential of small modular nuclear reactors is a forward-looking step in understanding how we can deliver reliable, clean energy at scale. This is about thoughtful planning, long-term sustainability, and our commitment to a healthier planet for generations to come.
The feasibility study will address several core questions, including the suitability of SMRs for DEN’s long-term power requirements, comparisons of different SMR technologies, regulatory considerations, cost estimates, and possible funding sources. It will also identify potential risks and implementation challenges.
The study is budgeted at up to 1.25 million USD and is expected to take between six and twelve months. Upon completion, DEN and its partners will assess the findings to inform future decisions.
DEN CEO Phil Washington said:We will need a sustainable power supply to meet the demands of airport assets, as well as our safety and customer experience goals. DEN has already invested in renewable energy sources, including building solar arrays across 100 acres of DEN land, constructing the state’s largest Energy Performance Contract that is saving electricity, natural gas, and water, increasing our electric vehicle fleet, achieving LEED Gold and Platinum certification for new construction projects, and more. But we must plan now and explore all possible options so that we are prepared for the future.
We recognise that the technology is still relatively new and there is much to learn, which is why DEN will conduct a feasibility study to gather facts and information about whether SMRs could potentially help the airport meet its energy demand and clean energy goals in the future, as well as potential challenges. We know that anything we would do would require significant investment and that SMRs are complex. So, we are keeping an open mind, learning more and continuing to responsibly plan for the airport’s future.
