Denver International Airport will ask the Denver City Council to approve construction of a photovoltaic solar electricity-generating system that will power the airport’s fuel-storage and -distribution facility.
DIA has filed the ordinances necessary to obtain council approval to enter into an agreement with MP2 Capital and Oak Leaf Energy Partners to develop the $7 million, 1.6-megawatt solar project on approximately nine acres north of the airport’s airfield. Once operational, the new solar system is expected to provide approximately 100 percent of the fuel farm’s electricity consumption.
„We expect this project to reduce energy costs for our airline and cargo business partners over the 20-year term of the agreement,“ Aviation Manager Kim Day said Wednesday. „DIA has a widespread reputation as a ‘green’ airport, and this project is another example of our commitment to environmental responsibility.“
„The proposed environmentally friendly solar facility at Denver International Airport promises to provide long-term cost savings to airport stakeholders while reaffirming the airlines’ ongoing commitment to cleaner energy,“ said Air Transport Association President and CEO James C. May. „Congratulations to all involved in moving this project forward.“
Day added her appreciation for the efforts of the 20 airline members of the DIA fuel committee and also Aircraft Service International Group in helping to make the project a reality. The DIA fuel committee is chaired by Bob Sturtz, United Airlines’ managing director of strategic sourcing/fuels.
The proposal calls for DIA to buy electricity generated by the system at a rate equal to 90 percent of Xcel Energy’s rate. The system is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.