Gasification is proven technology for changing low-value feedstocks into high-value products. It is a manufacturing process that utilizes feedstock containing carbon: coal, petroleum coke, even hazardous waste products or biomass. Global gasification capacity is forecast to grow 70% by 2015.

Gasification converts this material into synthesis gas (syngas). The syngas can be further processed to manufacture chemicals, fertilizers, liquid fuels, substitute natural gas (SNG), or hydrogen.

Advantage: By making better use of waste, gasification helps reduce our dependence on foreign oil and natural gas, and provides an environmentally attractive source of chemicals and fuels.

Combustion Pollutes. Gasification converts hydrocarbons into carbon monoxide and hydrogen, a mixture known as synthesis gas or syngas. Nitrogen in the feed is converted to harmless nitrogen gas rather than to oxides of nitrogen that contribute to air pollution. Similarly, sulfur in the feed is converted, not to polluting oxides of sulfur but to hydrogen sulfide, which may be removed from the gas and converted to pure sulfur, a valuable by-product. Finally, ash present in the feedstock is converted to a glassy aggregate material in low volumes rather than to the high-volume and leachable fly-ash produced by conventional boilers.