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DIA Now Powered By Solar Energy

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Aug 19, 2008 5:59 pm US/Mountain

DIA Now Powered By Solar Energy

Reporting
Paul Day
DENVER (CBS4) ― The energy needs of Denver International Airport are now partially met by a new solar system that covers 7.5 acres along the approach to the airport terminal.

"This is clean energy and it's limitless," said Kim Day, Manager of Aviation for DIA.

The system is highly visible and has the potential to be seen by 50 million air travelers annually.

"I think this is a great spot for the energy it's going to provide," said John Hickenlooper, Denver Mayor. "It is a gateway to the airport, a demonstration, a beacon that we're not just talking about this stuff, we're doing it."

Hickenlooper and his aviation manager joined other city officials and representatives of renewable energy firms during a Solar Site dedication ceremony Tuesday.

A special tracking device allows the system to follow the path of the sun. That maximizes the production of solar power.

There are 9,200 photovoltaic panels that now produce enough electricity annually to run the airport's trains for six months. It's enough electricity to power the needs of 1,800 homes.

The 2 megawatt system is owned and operated by a company called MMA Renewable Ventures. It's part of a public private partnership. The system is economically viable because Xcel Energy is buying the renewable energy credits.

Solar may be free and abundant, but it's not yet as cheap as conventional power.

"It's probably double what the current cost of a kilowatt hour generated by coal would be," said Tim Taylor, President and CEO of Xcel Energy.

But increasingly, solar energy is becoming cost effective. Taylor predicts, as fossil fuel prices rise, the two will be close to parity in three or four years.

(© MMIX CBS Television Stations, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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