Denver International Airport's Solar Set-up

© Denver International Airport

Westerners tend to be serious when it comes to the environment. Consider for a moment what's happening at Denver International Airport (DEN), the largest airport in the nation in terms of land area.

Yesterday, DEN dedicated a massive two-megawatt solar energy system to help power the airport - an airport that's a major hub for United Airlines and Frontier Airlines, as well as an emerging focus city for discount airline Southwest.

The solar array is spread out across some seven-and-a-half acres near the entrance of the Mile High megaport. Officials say it can generate more than three million-kilowatt hours of clean electricity annually. That equates with a reduction in nasty CO2 emissions of more than 6.3 million pounds per year.

Touting the new system, CEO Matt Cheney of MMA Renewable Ventures says, “[DEN] will benefit from a renewable energy system that is cost-effective from the very first day of operation, and for years to come.”

Denver International ranks as the fifth-busiest airport in the nation, and serves some 50 million flyers each year.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler