IGCC Technology
IGCC is a clean coal technology that combines two technologies – coal gasification and combined cycle – to offer the potential to achieve the environmental benefits of gas-fired generation with the thermal performance of a combined-cycle plant, yet with the low fuel cost associated with coal.

Coal gasification is the process by which coal is partially combusted with oxygen and steam to form what is commonly called syngas. The syngas then is cleaned to remove particulates and other emissions.

Combined cycle plants generate electricity more efficiently and consume less fuel per kilowatthour of output than do conventional generators. A typical combined-cycle plant employs one or more gas turbines, a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) and a steam turbine. Both the gas and steam turbines produce power.

The technology offers potential for future retrofit of carbon-capture systems at a lower capital cost and with lower efficiency losses when compared with conventional pulverized coal technologies.

For more details, see the IGCC Process. (PDF : 658KB : get viewer )