Startup Aims to Boost Data Center Efficiency with Supercritical CO2
Retrofitting gas turbines could increase efficiency by 50% without added emissions.
1Inefficient data center power
Many US data centers use simple-cycle gas turbines that convert only 35% of energy to electricity, compared to 60-65% in combined-cycle plants. This inefficiency leads to massive greenhouse gas emissions, exemplified by an Amazon Texas plant permitted to emit over 33 million tons annually—surpassing some small countries' totals.
2Supercritical CO2 solution
American Supercritical's technology pressurizes CO2 to a supercritical state where it behaves like both liquid and gas. This allows more efficient energy transfer through smaller equipment, using turbine exhaust heat directly rather than steam generation, potentially boosting efficiency by 50% without additional emissions.
3Water conservation benefit
The closed-loop CO2 system eliminates water use in power generation—a critical advantage for water-scrutinized data centers. Similar to refrigeration systems, the CO2 circulates continuously without needing replenishment, addressing both efficiency and sustainability concerns simultaneously.
4Commercialization challenges
Despite 50+ years of research in US labs, commercial adoption faces hurdles like supply chain readiness and cost barriers. Industry inertia also plays a role—established turbine manufacturers show little interest in funding potential competitors to their traditional power plant technologies.
5Market opportunity
With $7 trillion expected in global data center investment by 2030 and AI-driven power demand surging, the startup targets retrofitting existing turbines. Their 10MW units could enable operators to expand capacity without adding new emissions-heavy infrastructure.
6Beyond data centers
The technology has applications in nuclear, geothermal and solar energy. China recently launched the world's first geothermal plant using supercritical CO2, while the startup explores partnerships for small modular reactors—a Trump-era priority.
7Technical innovations
Recent breakthroughs in compact, affordable heat exchangers—critical for heating/cooling pressurized CO2—have made the technology more viable. A former GE turbine engineer notes these components were previously too bulky and expensive for widespread adoption.
8Climate impact limits
While retrofitting improves efficiency, it doesn't eliminate emissions from natural gas use. With data centers becoming major pollution sources during a climate crisis, the technology represents an incremental improvement rather than a complete solution.