CCC/187 ISBN 978-92-9029-507-5

September 2011

copyright © IEA Clean Coal Centre

Abstract

Worldwide, a small number of integrated gasification combined cycle power plants (IGCC), based on

high-efficiency coal gasification technologies, are operated commercially or semi-commercially, a few

more are under construction, and a number of demonstration projects, some including carbon capture

and sequestration (CCS), are at an advanced stage of planning. Various coal gasification technologies

are embodied in these plants including different coal feed systems (dry or slurry), fireproof interiors

walls (fire brick or water-cooled tubes), oxidants (oxygen or air), and other factors. Many of these

designs are now several decades old but new cycles and systems are emerging to further improve the

efficiency of the coal gasification process. This report draws upon the published literature and

commentary from experts in industry and academia working in the coal gasification sector to present

and summarise recent developments.