Denver Airport Plans $1.25M Study for Small Modular Nuclear Reactor

Denver International Airport (DIA) is exploring the feasibility of installing a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) on its campus to support its goal of becoming the world's greenest airport and achieving energy independence. The airport has issued a request for proposals for a study, projected to cost up to $1.25 million and take six to twelve months, to evaluate whether SMRs can provide the substantial power needed to meet current and future demands, including a projected 120 million annual passengers by 2045. SMRs, which generate up to 300 megawatts each and can be factory-assembled and transported to the site, offer a potentially safe, scalable, and cost-effective clean energy source that could complement DIA’s existing renewable energy infrastructure, such as its 100-acre solar farm and expanded electric vehicle fleet. This initiative aligns with Colorado’s recent legislation redefining nuclear energy as a clean energy resource, enabling new financing opportunities and reflecting growing state support for nuclear power amid rising electricity demand. DIA leaders emphasize the importance of thorough study and cautious planning, recognizing the complexity of nuclear technology and seeking to ensure long-term sustainability and economic growth tied to the airport’s expansion. The project could make DIA the first airport in the world to generate zero emissions energy on-site through nuclear power, marking a significant step toward Denver’s overall goal of carbon neutrality by 2040.