On Saturday, December 20, 2025, China National Nuclear Corporation announced that Super Carbon No.1, the world’s first commercial supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) power generation unit, has officially entered operation in Liupanshui, Guizhou Province in the southwest of the Chinese mainland.
Super Carbon No.1 leverages innovative thermoelectric conversion technology. It heats and pressurizes liquid carbon dioxide until it reaches a supercritical state. In this form, the fluid drives a compact, high-speed turbine to generate electricity.
Compared with traditional steam turbines, scCO₂ cycles offer a smaller footprint and promise higher thermal efficiency. The compact design can reduce construction costs and accelerate deployment, a crucial advantage for regions seeking flexible clean energy solutions.
This milestone underlines a shift in power generation. Developers and energy experts say scCO₂ technology could pave the way for next-generation plants that deliver lower emissions and greater operational agility. As the world seeks to decarbonize, scalable innovations like Super Carbon No.1 may redefine how power is produced and distributed.
With Super Carbon No.1 up and running, eyes around the globe will be on Guizhou as it tests the limits of supercritical CO₂. If successful, this breakthrough could inspire a wave of similar projects, shaping the future of clean energy in the Chinese mainland and beyond.
Reference(s):
World's 1st commercial supercritical CO₂ power unit starts in Guizhou
cgtn.com
