Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC)

• It is quite economically advantageous for India to tap into the Shale Gas revolution but it is even more viable to explore its own coal for gasification projects using the integrated coal gasification combined cycle technology.
• Coal has been the chief source of energy for India which has been fuelling our industries since long. Gasification of coal will improve thermal efficiency and considerably rev up gas supply. This will be able to meet the increasing demand of power plants in peak season when demand usually overtakes supply. In addition, India also has to work on its gas pricing regime and build a pipeline network that will determine market and demand.
• Integrated coal gasification combined cycle is a promising and a high efficiency power generation technology  which gasifies coal and makes use of this gas and waste heat  to make the turbines run and thereby improve thermal efficiency. India has to test the process using its own coal for adaptation, design and power generation.