China breaks ground on world's first supercritical CO2 and molten salt energy plant

Key facts

• China has begun construction on the world's first energy plant utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide and molten salt technology.
• The plant is designed to generate electricity with higher efficiency and lower emissions.
• The technology combines supercritical CO2 cycles with molten salt heat storage.

China has initiated construction on what it asserts is the world's inaugural energy plant to integrate both supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) and molten salt thermal storage technologies. This pioneering project aims to enhance electricity generation efficiency and reduce emissions, aligning with China's broader objectives for energy innovation and decarbonization. The sCO2 cycle is known for its potential to operate at higher efficiencies than traditional steam cycles, while molten salt storage allows for the capture and release of thermal energy, enabling more consistent power output and better integration with intermittent renewable sources.