1887 Lurgi receives gasifier patentThe first patent for a gasifier was granted to Lurgi GmbH in Germany. 1930 Coal gasification becomes widespread1940 Towns develop gas applicationsCommercial coal gasification to provide cities with gas for streetlights and domestic consumption became common in Europe and the United States. 1950 Gasification for hydrogen production begins in the chemical process industryThe chemical industry began using gasification to make chemicals such as ammonia and fertilizers. However, the feedstock was mostly crude oils rather than coal. 1970 Key IGCC studies beginThe U.S. Department of Energy funded various studies to evaluate the feasibility of gasifying coal and using the synthetic gas product as a gas turbine fuel. These studies showed good economics, resulting in funding for the IGCC pilot plant, Coolwater. 1980 Coolwater pilot IGCC plant commissionedCoolwater was commissioned in 1984. The Coolwater plant demonstrated the feasibility of IGCC, and lessons learned helped to overcome several technical challenges. 1996 Polk Tampa Electric plant builtThis plant successfully used nitrogen injection for NOx control and demonstrated the commercial feasibility of IGCC technology. 2000 Exxon Singapore plant builtThis plant employs the widest variety of gas turbine fuels and operability range. 2000 IGCC becomes established coal plant optionIGCC is now considered a mature technology and a viable coal power plant option. |
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