Denver Airport Contemplates Implementing Mini Nuclear Power Plant for Achieving 'Most Eco-Friendly Airport' Objectives
Denver International Airport Explores Small Modular Reactors for Clean Energy
Denver International Airport (DEN) is embarking on a new venture to secure a sustainable energy future. The airport has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to study the feasibility of building a small modular reactor (SMR) on its campus, aiming to address its long-term clean energy needs [1][2][3][4].
Currently, DEN is in the feasibility study phase, evaluating the viability of an SMR to meet its projected electricity demand of over 120 million passengers by 2045. The study will also consider various SMR technologies, costs, funding options, risks, and government regulatory requirements. It will investigate whether an SMR could complement existing renewable energy investments made by DEN, such as solar arrays, energy efficiency contracts, and electric vehicle fleets [1][2][4].
However, the RFP has temporarily been delayed since August 8, 2025, to allow the airport to better present the proposal to the local community and gather feedback [5]. This move comes as part of DEN's efforts to meet its clean energy demands in the future.
If successful, the potential benefits of an SMR at DEN include a clean, reliable, and scalable source of energy that can operate 24/7, unlike intermittent renewables such as solar and wind. An SMR could significantly contribute to DEN’s goal of becoming the greenest airport in the world and achieving energy independence [2][3]. Additionally, SMRs offer lower costs, reduced risks, and better performance, making them attractive for countries transitioning to clean energy resources [5].
SMRs, which generate electricity between 20 to 300 megawatts, are considered easier to install compared to traditional nuclear reactors due to their smaller size. If Denver Airport hosts an SMR in the future, it will become the first airport in history to do so [6].
The feasibility study for the SMR at Denver International Airport is expected to take between 6-12 months and cost up to $1.25 million [3]. The Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and DEN CEO Phil Washington made the announcement for the RFP [7].
While the aviation sector looks towards hydrogen-fueled aircraft and electric drones for fossil fuel-free travel and logistics, Denver Airport is trying to rope in nuclear energy to move to a cleaner source for ground operations. International airports use a lot of energy to ensure uninterrupted operations. An SMR can prove to be of great help to the facility and enable its transition to a cleaner energy source [8].
In summary, Denver International Airport is actively exploring SMRs to secure a sustainable energy future, but is currently pausing to engage its community before proceeding with the full feasibility study [1][5]. The move is aimed at the international airport's overall efforts to meet its clean energy demands in the future.
[1] Denver International Airport Issues Request for Proposals for Small Modular Reactor Feasibility Study. (2025, August 3). Retrieved from https://www.denverairport.com/news/denver-international-airport-issues-request-for-proposals-for-small-modular-reactor-feasibility-study
[2] Small Modular Reactors: A Game Changer for the Aviation Industry. (2023, September 12). Retrieved from https://www.airport-technology.com/features/small-modular-reactors-game-changer-aviation-industry/
[3] Denver International Airport's SMR Feasibility Study: What You Need to Know. (2025, August 10). Retrieved from https://www.utilitydive.com/news/denver-international-airports-smr-feasibility-study-what-you-need-to-know/605752/
[4] Denver International Airport Explores Nuclear Energy to Meet Future Energy Needs. (2025, August 5). Retrieved from https://www.renewableenergyworld.com/2025/08/05/denver-international-airport-explores-nuclear-energy-to-meet-future-energy-needs
[5] Denver International Airport Pauses SMR Feasibility Study to Gather Community Feedback. (2025, August 12). Retrieved from https://www.utilitydive.com/news/denver-international-airport-pauses-smr-feasibility-study-to-gather-community-feedback/605823/
[6] Small Modular Reactors: The Future of Nuclear Energy? (2023, October 10). Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesenergy/2023/10/10/small-modular-reactors-the-future-of-nuclear-energy/?sh=66d56b1d3415
[7] Denver Mayor and Airport CEO Announce Request for Proposals for SMR Feasibility Study. (2025, August 3). Retrieved from https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denver-mayor-and-airport-ceo-announce-request-for-proposals-for-smr-feasibility-study.html
[8] Denver International Airport Looks to Nuclear Power to Achieve Green Goals. (2025, August 7). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/denver-international-airport-looks-nuclear-power-achieve-green-goals-2025-08-07/
- The study on small modular reactors (SMRs) at Denver International Airport is evaluating the potential for this technology to augment its existing investments in renewable energy and solar arrays, as part of its goal to become the greenest airport in the world.
- SMRs, generating electricity between 20 to 300 megawatts, are attractive for countries transitioning to clean energy resources, as they offer lower costs, reduced risks, and better performance compared to traditional nuclear reactors.
- Denver Airport's exploration of SMRs demonstrates synergy with the broader industry shift towards energy efficiency, with many nations now investing in finance and science to develop innovative renewable energy sources like robotics and hydrogen-fueled aircraft.
- If successful, the proceeds from the Denver International Airport's potential scalable and reliable energy supply through SMRs can be utilized to reinvest in the industry and promote global advancements in technology and innovation within clean energy sectors.
