CDOT Aeronautics Division and NREL Release Pioneering Study on Infrastructure Needs for Electric/Hybrid Aircraft in Colorado

The Colorado Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics, in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), has released the groundbreaking Colorado Alternatively Powered Aircraft Airport Infrastructure Study. This forward-looking report provides a preliminary assessment of the potential infrastructure needed to support the growing use of battery/electric aircraft at Colorado’s public-use airports.

As the aviation industry rapidly evolves with advances in electric and hybrid-electric aircraft technologies, airports must prepare for a new era of air mobility. The study explores how Colorado’s 76 public-use airports can support future aircraft powered by electricity instead of traditional aviation fuel.

“This study underscores Colorado’s leadership in embracing the future of aviation,” said David Ulane, Director of the CDOT Division of Aeronautics. “By understanding the infrastructure challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, we’re equipping our airports with the tools they need to support cleaner, more efficient and more accessible air transportation.”

“With ever-increasing electricity demands, it is critical for both utilities and airports to plan ahead, and the Colorado Aeronautical Board is excited to help map and support the future of electric airport infrastructure in Colorado,” said Ken Holsinger, Chair of the Colorado Aeronautical Board.

Key findings from the study include:

• Charging Demand Modeling: Using flight data and simulation tools, NREL modeled energy demands from electrified flight training and regional air mobility operations at airports across Colorado.
• Infrastructure Requirements: The study outlines the potential number and type of electric aircraft chargers needed to maintain flight schedules and analyzes different aircraft charging speeds.
• Economic and Operational Benefits: In addition to supporting electric aviation, on-site renewable energy generation and storage assets could reduce energy costs, improve resilience during grid outages, and open new revenue streams for airports.

The full report is publicly available at:
https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy25osti/91144.pdf