Airport in the U.S. Contemplates Nuclear Energy, Sparks Swift Opposition
Denver International Airport Plans to Study Small Modular Nuclear Reactor for Clean Energy
Denver International Airport (DEN) has announced plans to conduct a feasibility study for the construction of a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) on its campus. The study, costing $1.25 million, aims to explore the potential of nuclear power as a clean energy solution to meet the airport's growing energy needs and support its sustainability goals.
DEN currently uses about 45 megawatts of electricity but projects its needs could grow up to approximately 400 megawatts by 2050. SMRs, which produce up to 300 megawatts each, are considered a promising solution due to their ability to require significantly less land and infrastructure compared to traditional nuclear plants.
The airport's ambition is to become the greenest in the world, securing reliable, clean power capable of scaling with its operations. However, the proposal has faced opposition and concerns, particularly from Denver City Councilmember Stacie Gilmore. Gilmore criticized the project's announcement for lacking prior consultation with local representatives and residents, especially regarding potential environmental impacts.
In response, the project timeline has been delayed as officials engage further with stakeholders. The feasibility study, initially set to begin in August, has been postponed to allow the community time to consider an overview of the potential project.
The aviation sector's global energy-related carbon emissions have grown faster than rail, road, or shipping emissions in the last two decades. The small modular reactor proposed for DEN is believed to help meet future clean energy demands, offering reliable power around the clock, a significant advantage over intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
Small modular reactors are also considered safer and more flexible than older nuclear technology, often using alternate coolants like molten salts or liquid metals instead of water. Colorado recently reclassified nuclear energy as a clean energy resource under state law, facilitating regulatory support.
Mayor Mike Johnston and airport chief Phil Washington announced the proposal for the feasibility study on Wednesday, August 6. If the study determines that nuclear power can be one part of DEN's emissions-cutting strategy, the SMR could provide clean energy to meet the rising demand on airport assets while maintaining safety and customer experience goals.
However, critics have raised concerns about the absence of a U.S. repository for spent nuclear fuel, high cost overruns associated with nuclear power plants, and the fact that no modular reactors have yet been completed in the U.S. Despite these challenges, Mayor Johnston hopes the airport at least has the opportunity to explore nuclear power as an emissions-cutting option, while emphasizing that DEN is not slowing down on its other renewable energy goals.
In a Council meeting on Monday, August 11, Councilmember Stacy Gilmore expressed concerns about the lack of community consultation regarding the feasibility study. DEN has since delayed its request for proposals for the feasibility study to address these concerns and ensure a more inclusive process. The feasibility study for the small modular reactor at DEN remains uncertain due to strong opposition from many community members.
References: 1. Denver International Airport to Study Small Modular Nuclear Reactor 2. Denver International Airport Aims for Greenest Status with Nuclear Power 3. Colorado Classifies Nuclear Energy as Clean, Boosting DEN's Proposed Reactor 4. Community Concerns Delay Denver International Airport's Nuclear Power Project 5. AVWeb: Denver International Airport's Small Modular Reactor Could Be a Game Changer
- Denver International Airport (DEN) has plans to conduct a feasibility study for a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) as part of its commitment to renewable energy and sustainability.
- The study aims to explore the potential of nuclear power as a clean energy solution to meet the airport's growing energy needs, with SMRs offering a promising solution due to their efficiency and lower land requirements.
- Despite being affordable and eco-friendly, the proposal has faced opposition, particularly from Denver City Councilmember Stacie Gilmore, who has raised concerns about potential environmental impacts and the lack of prior consultation.
- The project timeline has been delayed to allow for further engagement with stakeholders and the community, with the feasibility study now set to commence at a later date.
- The aviation sector's growing energy-related carbon emissions underline the need for clean energy solutions, and the small modular reactor proposed for DEN is a promising option that offers reliable power and operates around the clock.
- The feasibility study, which will examine whether nuclear power can be part of DEN's emissions-cutting strategy, has been postponed to address community concerns and ensure a more inclusive process.
- If the study determines the viability of nuclear power, the SMR could provide clean energy to meet the rising demand on airport assets, while maintaining safety and customer experience goals, although controversy persists due to challenges such as high cost overruns and concerns about spent nuclear fuel.
