Denver International Airport plans to build two solar projects to generate power for the airport’s more than 140 acres.
The first solar array is already under construction and will have a generating capacity of 18.5 megawatts. It is expected to begin operation during the first quarter of next year.
The second solar array will begin construction during the first quarter of 2022 and is expected to begin operation during the third quarter.
Collectively, the arrays will generate approximately 36 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This is the equivalent to the electricity consumption of nearly 6,000 Denver residences.
“Sustainability is one of the guiding principles in our Vision 100 plan which will help prepare the airport for 100 million passengers in approximately 10 years,” Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington said. “These additional solar projects will help us improve the sustainability of our energy supply while helping us reach our goal of becoming one of the greenest airports in the world.”
The project is a partnership with Greenbacker Renewable Energy Co. The airport will purchase electricity via long-term power purchase agreements. This is forecasted to save the airport more than $3 million over 25 years.
The solar projects are part of the airport’s commitment to power the airport’s growth with energy that is low-carbon, cost-effective, reliable, and resilient.