These plants are the standard for new coal power plants, as their efficiencies can reach around 44%, compared to older coal power plants that operate around 33%.

Even higher pressure and temperature power plants are under research and development, known as ultra-supercritical, potentially reaching an efficiency of near 50%.

Supercritical plants are a type of coal-fired power plant used in more modern designs. They differ from traditional coal power plants because the water running through it works as a supercritical fluid, meaning it is neither a liquid or a gas. This occurs when water reaches its critical point under high pressures and temperatures, specifically at 22 MPa and 374oC.