The Problem

Ice on airport runways can be problematic (Fig. 1). A clear runway through the year would make landing and take-off safer. Airports spend a lot of time and money clearing the runways of snow (Fig 2 & 3). A better way may be possible to solve this problem.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Solution

Pipes can be places under the runways to provide constant temperature around the year. Constant temperature also ensures the tarmac does not expand and contract resulting in cracks and potholes. The best solution is to place small nuclear reactors next to the airport. They produce constant hot water that is used to cool the reactor. Since both airports and nuclear reactors need to be places in remote places away from civilian as possible it is ideal to merge them and benefit from the excess free energy.

Conclusion

This will improve runway safety and save money.