# Startup Aims to Boost Data Center Efficiency with Supercritical CO2 Retrofitting gas turbines could increase efficiency by 50% without added emissions. - **Source:** [Science Latest](https://brifing.si/source/ebc20f22-8d1a-4ae4-ba4c-efcd0853ba19) - **Published:** 2026-09-23 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e15846e5-1697-470c-8943-f839d6251fbd ## Inefficient 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. ## Supercritical 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. ## Water 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. ## Commercialization 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. ## Market 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. ## Beyond 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. ## Technical 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. ## Climate 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. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.wired.com/story/startup-power-data-centers-supercritical-co2/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._