Scientists have unveiled the world’s first supercritical CO₂ circuit breaker, a breakthrough that could revolutionize how we manage high-voltage electricity. Unlike traditional breakers that use greenhouse gases or oils, this one leverages carbon dioxide in a supercritical state—where it behaves like both a gas and a liquid—to cut power more efficiently and with far less environmental impact.

Editor’s Note: Circuit breakers are the unsung heroes of our power grids, stopping dangerous surges in their tracks. But the ones we rely on today often use potent greenhouse gases like SF₆, which is thousands of times worse for the climate than CO₂. This new design flips the script by using CO₂ in a clever, eco-friendlier way—potentially slashing emissions from energy infrastructure without sacrificing performance. It’s a win for engineers and the planet.