How do coal-based IGCC power plants work?
As illustrated in the figure below, IGCC power plants involve a complex chain of activities that start with a carbon-based material—in the case of FutureGen, coal—and result in electricity that powers our homes and businesses. • The coal gasification process begins with a controlled mixture of coal, oxygen, and steam in a gasifier. An air separation unit separates air into its component parts to supply the gasifier with a stream of oxygen. • Using a combination of heat and high pressure, the gasifier converts the constituents of coal into a synthetic gas, or “syngas”. This syngas is comprised of mostly hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO). • Byproducts captured in the gasifier could have commercial value, depending on local market conditions. For example, the FutureGen plant could produce an ash material similar to what comes from a traditional coal plant. This ash may be used as a filler material in construction projects and building products. Alternatively, FutureGen may produce a
