Coal Gasification (IGCC), it is "clean coal"?

Coal Gasification (IGCC), it is "clean coal"?

You talk about Coal Gasification (IGCC), which is also referred to as "clean coal", as a way that power generators seek to "cleanse coal of its impurities before the eventual byproduct is released". However, this technology does not per se address the issue of climate change and green house gases as the amount of Carbon Dioxide released is the same as that released by conventional coal fired power plants. So, unless they find a way of sequestering the Carbon Dioxide emitted in the combustion of gasified coal, this technology will not qualify for any carbon reduction credits.

I think it is important that you clarify this point to your readers. We can only hope that the technology to permanently sequester large amounts of carbon dioxide underground, which then would make this process eligible for carbon credits, will work.

Finally, it is worth noting that there is nothing "clean" about the way coal is extracted in Appalachia through Mountain Top Removal.

Chad Freckman

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