Denver Airport to Study Small Nuclear Reactors for Clean Power
Denver International Airport (DIA) will explore the feasibility of using small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) to meet future energy needs. Mayor Mike Johnston and airport CEO Phil Washington will announce the study Wednesday, coinciding with a new Colorado law classifying nuclear energy as a clean resource.
Unlike traditional large-scale nuclear plants, SMRs offer lower output but can provide consistent, reliable power. Many designs are compact enough to be transported by truck, installed on a concrete pad, and connected directly to the grid. Professor Thomas Albrecht of the Colorado School of Mines notes most modern SMRs use molten salts or liquid metals for cooling, offering safety advantages over older water-cooled designs.
DIA expects passenger traffic to climb to 120 million annually by 2045, requiring a sustainable and dependable power supply to support operations and safety goals. Proponents believe SMRs could provide such reliability, while opponents warn of unresolved issues.
Environmental groups, including the Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center, oppose the reclassification of nuclear power as clean energy, citing the problem of long-lasting radioactive waste and the unproven nature of some advanced designs. Critics also argue renewable technologies are improving faster and could offer safer, cheaper alternatives.
Cost remains a major question. While large nuclear plants benefit from economies of scale, smaller reactors may face economic challenges. Albrecht says multiple SMR developers have presented to the Colorado School of Mines, with one focusing solely on economics—highlighting the need for a thorough financial review before DIA proceeds.
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