Nuclear Ambitions at a U.S. Airport Spark Controversy, With Opposition Swelling
Denver International Airport (DEN) has proposed a groundbreaking plan to address its increasing energy needs and carbon emissions goals. The airport is considering the implementation of a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) as part of its strategy to become carbon neutral by 2040.
The SMR, if implemented, would provide clean energy to meet the rising demand placed on airport assets. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, each unit of the proposed reactor can generate up to 300 megawatts of power, a significant advantage over intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
The feasibility study for the SMR at DEN is intended to investigate whether nuclear power can be one part of the airport's emissions-cutting strategy. The study, which is still in the early stages, was announced by airport chief Phil Washington and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston on August 6, with proposals for a $1.25 million feasibility study being sought.
However, the plan has faced pushback from some quarters. Following concerns raised by a member of Denver City Council, the airport has paused its plans for the feasibility study. Councilmember Stacy Gilmore expressed concern about the lack of community conversation about the idea or its potential impacts.
Proponents argue that SMRs could significantly reduce DEN's carbon emissions by providing clean, steady energy onsite. With Colorado's recent reclassification of nuclear power as a clean energy source, proponents see the SMR as a promising solution to the airport's energy needs.
Yet, critics have raised concerns about the absence of a U.S. repository for spent nuclear fuel, high cost overruns typically associated with nuclear power plants, and the fact that no modular reactors have yet been completed in the U.S. Safety and security concerns persist, as well as questions about the classification of nuclear as truly "clean" energy.
In Wednesday's announcement, Washington acknowledged that small modular reactors are a relatively new technology and emphasized the importance of the feasibility study. The study will clarify these issues and inform whether the airport should proceed with the SMR project.
DEN is not slowing down on its other ambitious climate goals around renewable energy. Mayor Johnston stated during a Wednesday press conference that the city is committed to expanding its solar and wind capacity. The airport has already taken steps towards this goal, such as installing solar arrays, increasing its electric vehicle fleet, and constructing the largest energy performance contract in Colorado.
As the aviation sector's global energy-related carbon emissions have grown faster than rail, road, or shipping emissions in the last two decades, DEN's SMR proposal is a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the airport and the industry as a whole. However, the feasibility study is a crucial step in addressing safety, waste management, cost, regulatory, and community concerns before moving forward.
The airport expects its passenger figure to climb to 120 million by 2045. Amid strong opposition from many community members, it's unclear whether DEN's feasibility study for the small modular reactor will get off the ground. Effective August 8, the airport delayed its request for proposals to allow the community time to consider an overview of the potential project.
[1] Denver International Airport [2] Denver Post [3] AVWeb [4] Nuclear Energy Institute [5] Denver City Council
- The Denver International Airport (DEN) is considering the use of a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) as part of its strategy to become carbon neutral by 2040.
- Each unit of the proposed reactor can generate up to 300 megawatts of power, a significant advantage over intermittent renewable energy sources.
- The feasibility study for the SMR at DEN is intended to investigate whether nuclear power can be one part of the airport's emissions-cutting strategy.
- Following concerns raised by a member of Denver City Council, the airport has paused its plans for the feasibility study due to the lack of community conversation about the idea or its potential impacts.
- Proponents argue that SMRs could significantly reduce DEN's carbon emissions by providing clean, steady energy onsite.
- Critics have raised concerns about the absence of a U.S. repository for spent nuclear fuel, high cost overruns typically associated with nuclear power plants, and the fact that no modular reactors have yet been completed in the U.S.
- DEN is not slowing down on its other ambitious climate goals around renewable energy, with plans to expand its solar and wind capacity and construct the largest energy performance contract in Colorado.
