China has commenced commercial operation of its first supercritical CO2 power generation units at the Chaotan One plant in Guizhou Province. Each unit generates 15 MW, using industrial sinter waste heat, marking the world’s first commercial application of this innovative technology.
The project, developed by the Nuclear Power Institute of China under CNNC, increases power generation efficiency by over 85% while reducing floor space by 50%. It converts waste heat into electricity more efficiently than traditional sintering steam power methods, producing over 70 million kWh annually and generating approximately 30 million yuan in revenue.
Supercritical CO2 power technology also holds broader potential for integrating multiple heat sources, solar thermal energy, and energy storage. This innovation supports China’s dual carbon goals, reduces industrial energy waste, and demonstrates a new era of high-efficiency, compact, and sustainable power generation.
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