Denver International Airport officials released a request for information seeking ideas from companies worldwide on clean energy solutions to meet a projected nearly tenfold increase in electricity demand.

The surge stems from predicted rapid passenger growth combined with the electrification of airport operations and emerging aviation technologies that require far more power, according to a DIA news release Monday. The airport currently uses 45 megawatts of electricity and expects to need more than 400 megawatts by 2045.

DIA handled a record 82.4 million passengers last year and projects traffic to exceed 120 million annually by 2045.

Drivers include transitioning fossil fuel-based equipment to electric to cut emissions and powering new concourses and gates, as well as a new consolidated rental car facility that anticipates rental EV power needs.

“As one of the busiest airports in the world, we are actively planning for an anticipated 120 million plus annual passengers by 2045,” Phil Washington, chief executive officer at Denver International Airport, said in the release. “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.”

The request seeks information on integrating clean energy solutions into the airport’s existing distribution network, as well as options for redundancy and energy storage to support peak demand now and in the future.

Washington said the airport has a responsibility to evaluate all potential clean energy sources that could meet that demand. Washington said the airport cannot wait for demand to outpace supply.

“This RFI is about gathering information so DIA 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,” Washington said.

The airport held five community meetings between October and December to gather input that helped develop questions included in the request.

Officials sought to examine the feasibility of an on-site small modular nuclear reactor in August but delayed the study after community criticism over a lack of prior consultation. The airport issued a request for proposals on Aug. 6 for the study, but postponed it on Aug. 8 to allow more public engagement.

Washington said the airport is committed to taking community feedback into consideration as it moves forward with efforts to learn more about potential clean energy solutions.

Residents from Montbello and Green Valley Ranch expressed strong concerns at a Dec. 17 meeting about potential health risks and environmental impacts from energy expansion, especially nuclear options. Denver City Councilmember Stacie Gilmore urged excluding nuclear. Washington flatly declined to remove nuclear from consideration, stating the airport would not limit company responses prematurely.

Washington said the airport is committed to becoming the world’s greenest airport. The airport’s current energy portfolio includes 11 solar arrays totaling 50 megawatts, with an upcoming project set to add 18 megawatts. The airport is also exploring renewable natural gas, sustainable aviation fuel, geothermal, hydrogen, wind, and battery backup to support renewables and microgrid resiliency, according to Washington.