US airport to explore small nuclear reactor for clean energy future

Denver International Airport (DEN) has initiated a request for proposals (RFP) to study the feasibility of building a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) on its campus as part of its strategy to meet future clean energy demands. The airport anticipates serving over 120 million passengers annually by 2045 and is exploring SMRs as a reliable, scalable, and potentially cost-effective energy source to power its extensive ground operations. Unlike solar and wind power, SMRs can provide continuous, round-the-clock energy, complementing renewable sources and supporting the airport’s goal to become the greenest airport globally. The feasibility study, costing up to $1.25 million and expected to take 6-12 months, will evaluate the viability of SMRs for DEN’s long-term energy needs, including technology types, cost estimates, funding options, risks, and regulatory requirements. Denver’s leadership emphasizes this as a forward-looking, sustainable initiative aimed at addressing the challenges of a growing city and climate change. If implemented