Integrated gasification combined cycle

An integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) is a technology using a high pressure gasifier to turn coal and other carbon based fuels into pressurized synthesis gas. This enables removal of impurities from the fuel prior to generating electricity, reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide, particulates, mercury, and in some cases carbon dioxide. Some of these impurities, such as sulfur, can be turned into re-usable byproducts through the Claus process. With additional process equipment, carbon monoxide can be converted to carbon dioxide via water-gas shift reaction, enabling it to be sequestered and increasing gasification efficiency. Excess heat from the primary combustion and syngas fired generation is then passed to a steam cycle, producing additional electricity. This process results in improved thermodynamic efficiency, compared to conventional pulverized coal combustion.