Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide in an open thermodynamic cycle in which no compressors are used. In some embodiments, a method for utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide includes combusting oxygen, fuel, and heated recycled supercritical carbon dioxide to produce a gas that is fed to a turbine to generate power; using the exhaust gas from the turbine to preheat the recycled supercritical carbon dioxide that is fed to the turbine; and pass the exhaust gas through a series of two sets of condensers and separators to provide a carbon dioxide stream from which the recycled supercritical carbon dioxide is generated using a pump. Power for the pump is provided by the turbine, which also provides power to an electric generator.