Coal gasification offers one of the most clean and versatile ways to convert the energy contained in coal into electricity, hydrogen, and other sources of power. Turning coal into synthetic gas isn't a new concept, in fact the basic technology dates back to World War II.
During the gasification process, coal is subjected to heat, pressure, and steam - catalysts, breaking the coal down into various gases, mostly hydrogen. The resulting gases can then be burned to generate electricity and the waste heat created by the process used for co generation.
Coal gasification plants are cleaner than standard pulverized coal combustion facilities, producing fewer sulfur and nitrogen byproducts, which contribute to smog and acid rain. For this reason, gasification appeals as a way to utilize relatively inexpensive and expansive coal reserves, while reducing the environment impact.
Pioneering coal gasification electric power plants are now operating commercially in the United States and in other nations. These plants produce significant quantities of syngas from a variety of feedstocks and produce a wide variety of products.
The mounting interest in coal gasification technology reflects a convergence of three changes in the electricity generation marketplace. These changes are:
1 .The increasing maturity of gasification technology;
2. The extremely low emissions from Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) plants, especially air emissions, and the potential for lower cost control of greenhouse gases than other coal-based systems; and
3. The recent dramatic fluctuations in the costs associated with natural gas based power, which is viewed as a major competitor to coal based power.
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