Denver International Airport (DIA) stands as a beacon of Colorado’s economic vitality, handling a record 82.4 million passengers in 2024 and ranking as the world’s sixth-busiest airport. We must let it flourish and grow, without unwarranted fears obstructing progress.

With projections soaring to 120 million annual passengers by 2045, the airport’s energy demands will escalate dramatically, compounded by the broader push for electrification — from electric vehicles to data centers powering AI innovations. Yet, a promising solution has hit a snag: the delayed request for proposals (RFP) to study small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) on DIA’s vast 34,000-acre campus.

Airport officials paused the process for community outreach in Denver’s District 11, addressing concerns about safety, home values and water use. While dialogue is essential, we urge DIA leaders and the Denver City Council to expedite this study without undue hesitation. Outdated fears must not derail progress toward a sustainable energy future.

The RFP, initially set to explore SMR types, costs, risks and regulations at a cost of up to $1.25 million, aligns with Mayor Mike Johnston’s vision of making DIA the “greenest” airport globally. By generating clean energy onsite, SMRs could power expansions while attracting high-energy businesses, fostering jobs and regional growth. CEO Phil Washington aptly described SMRs as “stackable” and “scalable,” allowing DIA to control its energy destiny amid rising grid strains.

Modern nuclear power, particularly SMRs, offers the only proven, reliable baseload source to meet these surging demands. Unlike intermittent renewables such as solar or wind, nuclear provides constant, zero-emission electricity — ideal for data centers devouring power for AI and cloud computing. A Deloitte analysis projects new nuclear capacity could cover about 14% of U.S. data center demand growth by 2035.

Tech giants such as Amazon and Google are eyeing nuclear for its 99.999% reliability, far surpassing alternatives amid the “electrification of everything,” including EVs that strain grids. Colorado’s shift recognizes this: In April, Gov. Jared Polis signed HB25-1040, classifying nuclear as a “clean energy resource” to aid carbon-reduction goals, backed by rare bipartisan support.

Safety concerns, often rooted in myths from past incidents like Chernobyl, overlook SMR advancements. These reactors incorporate passive safety systems that function without human intervention or external power, reducing risks dramatically. The International Atomic Energy Association highlights SMRs’ enhanced features, including less frequent refueling (every 3-7 years) and smaller footprints, making them suitable for sites like DIA.

Contrary to fears, SMRs require minimal water for cooling compared to traditional plants, addressing council member Stacie Gilmore’s valid query. U.S. reactors cannot explode like bombs due to low-enriched fuel, and radiation exposure from plants is negligible — most comes from natural sources such as radon or medical scans. Waste is manageable, with more than 90% being low-level materials safely processed.

No energy source is risk-free, but track record on nuclear is exemplary. It ranks among the safest sources of power per terawatt-hour, outpacing even renewables when factoring full life cycles. Opponents tout batteries or hydrogen, but these remain unproven at scale for baseload needs. Delaying the study cedes ground to inaction, jeopardizing DIA’s status among elite airports.

Colorado’s leaders have declared nuclear green. Now, it is time to act on it. Engage the community transparently but proceed swiftly with the RFP. Embrace SMRs to secure DIA’s future, bolster the grid and lead in clean innovation. Progress demands boldness — let’s not cling to horse-and-buggy fears in an electric age.

The Gazette Editorial Board