DENVER – December 29, 2025 – Denver International Airport (DEN) today released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking private sector information and expertise relative to learning more about alternative energy solutions for power generation. The RFI is also asking for information on integrating clean energy solutions within the airport’s existing distribution network, as well as options for redundancy and energy storage to support peak demand now and in the future. DEN currently uses 45 megawatts of electricity and expects to need 400+ megawatts by 2045.
“As one of the busiest airports in the world, we are actively planning for an anticipated 120 million plus annual passengers by 2045. Significantly more electricity will be required to power our future operations and accommodate changes coming to the aviation industry in the form of electric powered aircraft and other advancements,” DEN CEO Phil Washington said. “We have a responsibility to evaluate all potential alternative energy sources that could meet that demand. We cannot wait until our demand outpaces our supply. This RFI is about gathering information so DEN can continue to be an innovative thought leader and understand more about new and emerging technologies that could help ensure the airport remains Colorado’s top economic engine for future generations.”
For each recommended clean energy source, DEN is seeking information from the private sector on topics including:
- Safety and security (including waste and public health considerations)
- Environmental costs and benefits (including water and natural resource usage)
- Functionality
- Building and site requirements
- Total lifetime levelized costs
- Funding opportunities
- Community impact and engagement (including individual and community impacts)
“We value community feedback and from the beginning have committed to taking it into consideration as we move forward with our efforts to learn more about the potential alternative energy solutions,” Washington continued.
DEN held five community meetings between October and December to gather community input for this request. That feedback helped develop questions and valuable input that are included in the RFI.
DEN is committed to being the greenest airport in the world and has invested heavily in renewable energy sources. For example, the airport’s current energy portfolio includes 11 solar arrays for a combined capacity of 50 megawatts, with an upcoming project set to add 18 megawatts of solar capacity. In addition to solar, DEN explores, pursues and engages across multiple sectors on a myriad of energy sources, including renewable natural gas, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), electrification, geothermal, hydrogen, wind, and battery backup to support renewables and microgrid resiliency.
The RFI will close on March 31, 2026 and can be found at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado/cityandcountyofdenverdepartmentofaviation. DEN will spend time gathering and evaluating responses and following that, will share findings with the community and the public.
Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $47.2 billion for the region annually. For more information visit www.FlyDenver.com, check us out on YouTube
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