Gasification is a highly versatile conversion technology that is readily configurable to a carbon capture and storage (CCS) system to allow for near-zero emissions facilities that produce one or more of the following:  electricity, liquid transportation fuels, synthetic natural gas (SNG), hydrogen (H₂), and chemicals.

Continuing High Price of Fuels
High petroleum prices, volatility in natural gas prices, as well as increasing worldwide energy demand (projected to rise by 44% from 2006 to 2030)¹ are influencing decision makers to consider gasification-based energy systems.  The primary motivation for converting the U.S.’s substantial domestic coal resources to transportation fuels and chemicals via gasification is to displace the use of imported oil and, thereby, help mitigate its high price and supply security concerns.² The synthesis gas output by the gasification stage may be converted using the Fischer-Tropsch process — a catalyzed chemical reaction — into chemicals and liquid hydrocarbon fuels (i.e., fuels containing a combination of hydrogen and carbon) that are typically imported.

Energy Security
By utilizing one of America's most abundant energy resources, coal, coal gasification can reduce reliance on fuel imports, contributing to the United States’ economic well-being and energy security.

Emerging Environmental Regulations
The rising possibility of human-induced climate change has created a push for clean energy sources. Evidence of this includes several recent proposals that lay out a framework for carbon management regulation. Under such regulation, gasification systems incorporating CCS technology would provide a clean, efficient, and cost effective means for processing coal to produce electricity, ultra-clean fuels for the transportation sector, SNG for heating and industrial use, fertilizers to ensure an abundant food supply, and chemicals that play an integral part in our everyday lives.³

	An artist rendering of the Hydrogen Energy California clean-burning power plant proposed to be built near the Elk Hills oil field. source: Hydrogen Energy

When integrated with CCS, gasification systems have inherent efficiency advantages in both the capture and storage stages, over combustion systems. Because gasification's carbon dioxide (CO₂) is present in high concentrations, it is removed with less energy compared to the substantially diluted CO₂ from combustion. Gasification-produced CO₂ is also present at high pressure, unlike CO₂ from combustion, minimizing the required energy for compressing CO₂ before it is piped and stored.

Gasification systems also meet the strictest environmental regulations pertaining to emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), particulate matter, and toxic coal contaminates such as mercury. This becomes increasingly important as new environmental regulations for industry and utilities continue to emerge.

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