Overview
- CNNC’s Nuclear Power Institute says two 15‑megawatt supercritical CO2 units are now grid‑connected at the state‑owned Shougang Shuicheng Steel plant in Liupanshui, Guizhou.
- The institute describes the installation as the world’s first commercial grid‑connected sCO2 power unit, developed with Jigang International Engineering and Technology.
- The system is designed to convert sintering‑process waste heat into electricity and is expected to be about 50% more efficient for waste‑heat recovery than conventional steam cycles.
- Because sCO2 is denser than steam, turbines and related components can be smaller, a feature advocates highlight for potential use in nuclear, concentrated solar, ships, and spacecraft.
- A parallel U.S. effort, the DOE‑ and GTI Energy‑backed STEP demo in San Antonio, is testing a 10‑MW sCO2 system after completing early integrated testing in 2024.