Supercritical CO2 power plant generates first electricity

• 5 months ago (2024-05-30)
• David Flin

Gas 393 North America 1021

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The Supercritical Transformational Electric Power (STEP) Demo pilot plant at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in San Antonio, Texas, USA has generated electricity for the first time using supercritical CO2 power cycles.

The $169 million 10 MW facility is to demonstrate next-generation power production technology. The project is being led by GTI Energy in collaboration with SwRI, GE Vernova , the US Department of Energy/National Energy Technology Laboratory (US DOE/NETL), and several industry participants.

The pilot plant’s turbine achieved full speed of 27 000 rpm at an operating temperature of 260°C and generated a small amount of power. Over the next few weeks, the operating temperature will be increased to 500°C and generate 5 MW.

After completion of this first test configuration, the STEP Demo project will enter its final phase. The pilot plant will be reconfigured to boost the power plant’s efficiency and overall energy output. This modification requires the installation of new equipment, as well as a new commission and test phase that will continue into 2025 until the pilot plant is running at full power.