Denver Airport Studies SMR to Power 120M Passengers by 2045

(DENVER) Denver International Airport has opened a formal study into whether a small modular reactor (SMR) could supply clean, steady power as traffic grows toward 120 million passengers by 2045. Airport leaders say the move is about reliable energy, climate goals, and keeping costs stable for airlines, tenants, and travelers.

As of August 11, 2025, DEN issued a Request for Proposals to pick a contractor for the study. No technology is chosen, and there’s no decision to build.

What DEN is studying and why it matters

• Study budget and timeline: up to $1.25 million over 6–12 months
• Scope: technology options, safety, economics, funding, and federal/state rules
• Current power use: about 45 MWe
• Existing renewables: roughly 30 MW of onsite solar over about 100 acres
• Passenger growth: 82.3 million last year; planning for 120+ million by 2045
• Site size: about 33,500–34,000 acres (roughly 53 square miles)

City leaders frame the study as part of a clean-energy strategy. Mayor Mike Johnston and DEN CEO Phil Washington have described the goal as making DEN “the greenest airport in the world,” emphasizing energy independence and resilience for critical operations.

Industry reporting (American Nuclear Society, World Nuclear News) notes the RFP sets a 6–12 month window to assess technology fit, costs, financing, and regulatory paths.

Colorado’s policy shift in April 2025 is a key factor: Governor Jared Polis signed H.B. 24‑1040, which classifies nuclear as clean energy. That change could open more state and local financing options if DEN later pursues a project.

Status and next steps

• Status: RFP issued; vendor selection pending; no siting or NRC filings
• After the study: DEN will review findings and decide whether to move forward
• Potential timeline: even if pursued, licensing and construction would be multi‑year

The study scope also covers aviation–nuclear safety interfaces, a crucial topic for a major hub.

What this means for immigrant workers and employers

If DEN moves beyond the study stage, the airport and its partners could seek global talent for roles such as:

• Nuclear engineers
• Safety analysts
• Construction managers
• Electricians
• Project controls staff
• Cybersecurity specialists
• Power market analysts

Employers should plan early for visa and green card pathways, given long federal timelines in the United States 🇺🇸. Common options include:

1. H‑1B for specialty jobs (engineers, analysts). Requires employer sponsorship via Form I-129 (filed with USCIS). Link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-129
2. TN for Canadian and Mexican professionals under USMCA (engineers, scientists). Canadians can apply at the border; change of status inside the U.S. also uses Form I-129.
3. L‑1 for intracompany transfers (managers, executives, specialized knowledge). Filed with Form I-129 using the L supplement.
4. F‑1 STEM OPT for recent graduates in STEM fields, with Form I-765 for work authorization: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765
5. Employment-based green cards (often EB‑2 for advanced degrees or EB‑2 NIW for work with national benefit). Employers or individuals file Form I-140: https://www.uscis.gov/i-140

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, large energy builds often mix temporary work visas for early-phase roles and green card filings for long-term positions. Planning both tracks reduces turnover risk during long projects.

Security, safety, and licensing

Any airport reactor would require approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). DEN’s study will map federal and state requirements and the steps for licensing.

For background on SMRs, see the NRC’s resource page: https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/advanced/smr.html

Important points for workers:

• Expect strict background checks, site badges, and safety training.
• Roles touching nuclear technology may face export control vetting.
• Employers should align job descriptions with visa categories to avoid delays.

Timeline planning for visas

Because DEN’s feasibility work runs 6–12 months, hiring tied to construction or operations is not immediate. Employers and workers can use this time proactively:

• Workforce mapping (identify what skills are needed and when)
• Cap‑exempt H‑1B strategies or TN hiring for Canadian workers when a fast start is needed 🇨🇦
• Green card planning for crucial long-term roles using Form I-140 (including EB‑2 NIW, when appropriate)

If DEN advances to pre‑development and formal licensing, staffing needs would ramp over several years, not months.

What DEN leaders and observers say

• Mayor Mike Johnston and CEO Phil Washington present the study as fact‑finding to deliver reliable, large‑scale clean power and protect airport operations as demand grows. They describe the aim as “the greenest airport in the world.”
• Elizabeth Babcock, leader of Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency, places the study within broader zero‑emission options and careful cost and environmental review.
• Industry observers note an airport‑based SMR would be first‑of‑its‑kind in the U.S., aligning with Colorado’s 2025 clean‑energy classification.

Key takeaway: DEN’s study is exploratory. Any future project would require extensive regulatory approvals, public input, and environmental review.

How travelers and families are affected

• No reactor is approved or under construction. This is only a study.
• Day‑to‑day travel isn’t changing because of the RFP.
• If DEN later pursues a project, there would be a separate, lengthy regulatory process with public input and environmental review.

Benefits and challenges if pursued beyond the study

Potential benefits:

• 24/7 low‑carbon power to support electrified ground fleets, terminal expansion, and major tenants
• Energy security for a critical facility serving up to 120 million passengers by 2045
• Possible economic development, including power for data centers and other high‑load users

Potential challenges:

• Complex NRC licensing and environmental review, plus coordination with aviation safety rules
• High upfront costs and long timelines; strong public engagement would be necessary
• Siting within an active, expanding airport footprint

Key details at a glance

What to watch next

• Contractor selection and kickoff in late 2025
• Interim study updates to city and state stakeholders
• A post‑study decision on technology, site studies, and possible NRC pre‑application talks

Actionable steps for workers and employers

• Employers:
  • Start role mapping and workforce planning.
  • Pick visa tracks early and plan green card filings with Form I-140 for strategic hires.
• Workers:
  • Keep degrees, transcripts, and experience letters ready.
  • Discuss Form I-129 timelines with recruiters.
  • For F‑1 students, track STEM OPT and Form I-765 windows.
• All parties:
  • Monitor DEN’s study milestones and public meetings reported by American Nuclear Society and World Nuclear News.

VisaVerge.com reports that projects tied to clean power often hire in waves: early engineers and planners first, construction trades next, and operations staff last. If DEN proceeds, expect a similar pattern.

The bottom line: Denver International Airport is studying a small modular reactor — not building one now. For immigrants and employers, the smartest move today is careful planning so teams are ready if the project advances.