Denver International Airport officials announced Wednesday it is soliciting a study on the feasibility of building a nuclear power plant to take the airport to energy independence using a small modular nuclear reactor on the airport’s 34,000-acre facility.

The airport has been planning for a future where more than 120 million passengers are anticipated to use the airport every year by 2045.

In 2024, DIA saw a record-breaking 82.4 million passengers, making it the nation’s third-busiest — and the world’s sixth-busiest airport.

DIA is a significant economic engine for Colorado and the region, generating more than $47 billion annually.

“Denver has always led with bold ideas, and our vision for the future of our airport is no exception,” said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston in a news release. “Studying the potential of small modular nuclear reactors is a responsible step in understanding how we can deliver reliable, clean energy at scale. This is about thoughtful planning, long-term sustainability, and our commitment to a healthier planet for generations to come.”

Small modular reactors can provide carbon-free, base-load energy to compensate for the variability and unpredictability of solar energy, offering a safe, more scalable, and potentially cost-effective approach to generating power. This could help meet growing energy demand while reducing carbon emissions, according to the DIA release.

If the plan pans out and a reactor is built, it would be the first nuclear power plant in Colorado since the shutdown of the Fort St. Vrain nuclear facility in 1989. The plant was decommissioned and converted to natural gas; fuel rods from the reactor are still safely stored on site.

“We will need a sustainable power supply to meet the demands of airport assets, as well as our safety and customer experience goals,” said CEO Phil Washington in the release. “We recognize that the technology is still relatively new and there is much to learn, which is why DIA will conduct a feasibility study to gather facts and information about whether SMRs could potentially help the airport meet its energy demand and clean energy goals in the future, as well as potential challenges. We know that anything we would do would require significant investment and that SMRs are complex. So, we are keeping an open mind, learning more and continuing to responsibly plan for the airport’s future.”

The study will examine questions about nuclear power including the various types of small modular reactors available, potential cost and funding options, the risks involved and government regulations on nuclear power plants.

The study will cost up to $1.25 million and is expected to take between 6-12 months to complete.

This story is developing and will be updated.