Plans to explore the feasibility of a small modular nuclear reactor at Denver International Airport (DIA) have been put on hold following objections from local city council member Stacie Gilmore.
Gilmore, who represents District 11 where the airport is located, expressed her concerns during a recent City Council meeting, stating that she was not consulted prior to the announcement made by Mayor Mike Johnston and airport leadership.
She highlighted the lack of engagement with both her office and the community, stating, “There had been no conversation with myself, the council office, none of the registered neighborhood organizations, no one in the community about even the idea of a feasibility study, and nothing said about the natural resources that might be affected by that feasibility study.”
The airport originally planned to invest up to $1.25 million to assess the potential of implementing a small nuclear power plant, which officials believe could provide sustainable energy for the airport and attract high-tech companies to the surrounding area to establish energy-intensive data centers.
Airport CEO Phil Washington previously described the project as a pathway for Denver to become the “Silicon Valley of nuclear technology,” indicating a strong aspiration to position the airport at the forefront of innovative energy solutions.
As part of the initial efforts, the airport agency had issued a request for proposals for contractors to conduct the feasibility study.
However, on August 8, plans for the study were delayed, with airport officials emphasizing the need to engage more thoroughly with the community before moving forward.
In a statement, an airport spokesperson said, “The Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Feasibility Study Request for Proposal was delayed… Our goal is to present this idea to the community, listen to their feedback, and understand what they would like to see included in the feasibility study.”
Gilmore first raised her concerns publicly during a committee meeting last week, criticizing the airport’s decision to proceed with the RFP without preemptive dialogue with the community or its elected representative.
She voiced her worry about the potential impact such a project might have on natural resources, particularly water, as well as the living conditions for residents in nearby neighborhoods like Green Valley Ranch and Montbello.
DIA’s aspirations to incorporate a small modular nuclear reactor align with the growing interest in this technology within the nuclear energy landscape.
Small modular reactors function by utilizing nuclear fission to generate heat, which is subsequently converted into electricity.
Unlike traditional, larger nuclear power plants, modular reactors are designed for scalability, making them capable of being deployed in smaller, more manageable units.
Despite their potential benefits, small modular reactors do produce radioactive waste that necessitates careful management and storage, and they do not completely eliminate the risks associated with nuclear accidents.
Investment in modular nuclear technology is increasing, yet its practical applications in the United States remain limited.
Currently, while there have been implementations in countries like Russia and China, no small modular reactors have been put into commercial operation in the U.S.
Looking ahead, energy company Holtec International is planning to install two small modular reactors in Michigan by 2030, marking a significant development in the nuclear energy sector.
image source from：denverite
