STEP Pilot Plant

The mission of the Supercritical Transformational Electric Power (STEP) program is to design, build, and operate a 10 MWe pilot scale facility using an indirect-fired sCO₂ power cycle, demonstrate component performance and cycle operability over a range of operating conditions, and show progress towards a lower cost of electricity. The STEP facility will serve as an opportunity for industry and government to work together to develop and mature the technology at the pilot-scale to facilitate commercialization. The investment will spur the development of necessary designs, materials, components, operation and control systems, sensors, and understanding and characterization needed for commercial acceptance of large scale sCO₂ power cycles. Where appropriate the facility will be used to address and resolve technology-specific issues relevant to the different heat source applications.