On December 20, 2025, Liupanshui in southwest Chinas Guizhou Province hit a major clean energy milestone: the worlds first commercial supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) power generation unit officially entered operation, according to China National Nuclear Corporation. ⚡️🌱
Nicknamed Super Carbon No.1, this compact powerhouse uses innovative thermoelectric conversion technology. By heating and pressurizing liquid CO2 until it reaches a supercritical state where it behaves like both a liquid and a gas the system spins its turbine to generate electricity. Compared to traditional steam cycles, scCO2 technology promises higher efficiency and a smaller footprint. 🔬✨
Why it matters:
- Efficiency boost: Supercritical CO2 cycles can reach efficiency levels beyond standard steam turbines.
- Greener footprint: Smaller equipment means less material use and potential cost savings.
- Future-ready: This plant paves the way for wider adoption in nuclear, solar-thermal, and other power sectors.
For young professionals and entrepreneurs, Super Carbon No.1 signals fresh investment opportunities in next-gen energy tech. Students and researchers can now study its real-world performance, while travelers and explorers may soon spot similar plants in eco-conscious cities across Asia. The era of supercritical CO2 power has begun! 🚀
Reference(s):
World's 1st commercial supercritical CO₂ power unit starts in Guizhou
cgtn.com
