World’s First Supercritical CO2 Waste Heat Power Project Fully Commissioned in China

June 6 — The world’s first full-scale supercritical carbon dioxide waste heat power generation demonstration project has completed full commissioning in China. China National Nuclear Corporation verifies that the second unit of the landmark “Super Carbon No.1” project in Liupanshui, Guizhou Province, achieved successful grid connection on 30 May, finalising the construction of this pioneering clean energy scheme.

Designed with two advanced generating units, the project delivers a stable total installed capacity of 30 megawatts after full operation. Its first unit entered official commercial operation in December 2025. Continuous operational monitoring has proven that all key performance parameters meet or surpass original design requirements. The whole system and core equipment have maintained stable and reliable operation under long-duration and complex working scenarios.

Xinhua News Agency states that the project adopts state-of-the-art supercritical carbon dioxide power generation technology, replacing traditional water-circulated steam power generation systems. By using carbon dioxide as the circulating working medium, the innovative design achieves higher energy conversion efficiency while simplifying overall system structure.

Compared with conventional waste heat power solutions, the new technology effectively improves comprehensive energy utilisation efficiency and reduces equipment configuration and land occupation. It features strong operational adaptability, capable of efficiently converting medium and high-temperature industrial waste heat into stable electric power. The flexible power regulation capacity also enables the system to adapt to fluctuating industrial heat supply and support reliable grid operation.