A Startup Wants to Power Data Centers With ‘Supercritical’ Carbon Dioxide

A new startup is proposing an innovative approach to powering the energy-intensive data centers that drive modern computing. By utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) in a closed-loop power cycle, the technology aims to significantly increase the efficiency of existing gas turbines. This process involves heating CO2 until it reaches a supercritical state, where it exhibits properties of both a gas and a liquid, allowing it to drive turbines more effectively than traditional steam-based systems. While this method promises a substantial reduction in energy waste and operational costs for data center operators, experts note that it does not eliminate carbon emissions entirely, as the underlying turbines still rely on fossil fuels. The startup’s solution represents a bridge technology, aiming to optimize current infrastructure while the industry continues its broader transition toward fully renewable energy sources and sustainable power generation.