Could Denver’s Airport Run on Nuclear Power?

Denver International Airport is the largest airport in the United States at 53 square miles. The second largest airport is the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and it's half the size of our airport at 26 square miles.

Denver International’s Global Ranking

It might surprise you to know that Denver International Airport is also the second-largest airport in the world and can fit inside the King Fahd International Airport more than five times.

Get our free mobile app

During the summer months, it gives me quite a bit of anxiety to open up my utility bill, as our air conditioning runs nonstop from the middle of June through the middle of September. So I can only imagine what the bill looks like for Denver International Airport on a monthly basis.

READ MORE: How Long Does the Drive from Fort Collins to Denver Really Take?

It is no secret that Denver International Airport is making efforts to be greener when it comes to environmental impact. The airport is standing behind its goal to become the greenest airport in the world and also become energy independent. So what does that mean when it comes to using a utility such as electricity?

Challenges of Renewable Power

Alternate sources such as solar probably wouldn't create enough power for the world's second-largest airport to run on daily, and other options are being explored.

Nuclear Reactor Option at DIA

One of those options is utilizing a small modular nuclear reactor to power Denver International Airport. These options are becoming more and more popular as a clean energy source, and Denver's airport is looking into how it can be done.

READ MORE: Top Travel Tips for Flying Out of Denver International Airport

Nuclear reactors operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can complement the use of renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. Denver International Airport has already issued a request for proposal for a study of the feasibility of building a small modular nuclear reactor on the premises of the airport. You can learn more by visiting flydenver.com.