China launches first supercritical CO₂ power plant

December 23, 2025

China has officially launched Chaotan One, the world’s first commercial power generator powered by supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂) instead of traditional steam. This breakthrough represents a historic shift in power generation technology, ending more than a century of reliance on steam turbines and unlocking dramatically higher efficiency levels.

From steam engines to a new energy medium

The invention of the steam engine was a cornerstone of the Industrial Revolution. For the first time, humans could convert fuel into mechanical work rather than just heat. Over decades, engineers improved steam engine efficiency through better designs and fuels, yet the working fluid itself—steam—remained unchanged.

Eventually, researchers recognized a major limitation: a large amount of energy is lost simply producing steam. Water must be heated to boiling and forced through a phase change, both of which require substantial energy input. To overcome this inefficiency, scientists searched for an alternative working medium—and found it in supercritical carbon dioxide.

What is supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂)?

Supercritical CO₂ is a unique state of carbon dioxide that occurs when the gas is held above its critical temperature of 87°F (31°C) and critical pressure of 1,070 psi (7.37 MPa). Under normal conditions, CO₂ exists as a gas, while cooling and depressurizing it produces dry ice. However, beyond the critical point, CO₂ enters a hybrid state that behaves as both a liquid and a gas.

In this supercritical phase, CO₂ flows like a gas but has the density of a liquid. This combination is ideal for driving turbines: low flow resistance paired with high force output. Even more importantly, achieving this state requires far less energy than converting water into steam, making sCO₂ an exceptionally efficient working fluid.

China takes the lead in sCO₂ power generation

While both China and the United States have invested heavily in supercritical CO₂ research, China has now become the first country to deploy the technology in a commercial power plant. This milestone highlights China’s growing leadership in advanced energy systems and industrial innovation.

Where is Chaotan One located?

The Chaotan One facility is installed at a steel manufacturing plant in Liupanshui, Guizhou Province. It consists of two 15-megawatt sCO₂ generator units and was connected to China’s power grid last month. The system is designed to convert waste heat from steel production into usable electricity, significantly improving energy recovery.

This deployment proves not only the viability of supercritical CO₂ turbines but also their suitability for small to medium-scale heat sources, such as industrial waste heat and thermal byproducts.

Performance advantages over steam power

According to Chinese media reports, Chaotan One delivers up to a 50% increase in net electricity output compared to conventional steam-based systems. Overall power generation efficiency reportedly exceeds 85%, a substantial leap forward in thermal energy conversion.

In addition, sCO₂ power plants feature a simpler design, require fewer mechanical components, and are easier to operate and maintain than traditional steam-cycle facilities. These advantages translate into lower costs, improved reliability, and faster deployment.

A new era of power generation

The successful launch of Chaotan One signals the beginning of a new chapter in global energy technology. By replacing steam with supercritical carbon dioxide, future power plants can achieve higher efficiency, reduced complexity, and better utilization of waste heat.

As commercial adoption expands, sCO₂ power generation may redefine how electricity is produced—ushering in a cleaner, more efficient alternative to steam-based systems that have dominated for over 100 years.