4.8. Comparison of the Environmental Performance of IGCC with PC and Fluidized Bed Power Plants

Table 5 compares the quantity of solid waste and byproducts produced by integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC), fluidized bed combustion (FBC), and pulverized coal (PC) plants. The basis for this comparison is a 300 MWe size plant using an Illinois bituminous coal with 4% sulfur content. The IGCC plant is shown to generate significantly less total solids than the other plants, roughly one-half that of the PC plant and one-third that of the FBC plant. Selection of lower coal sulfur content for this analysis will provide a more favorable comparison for the PC and FBC plants relative to the IGCC plant.

Table 5. Solid Waste and Byproduct Comparison for 300 MWe Plants—IGCC vs. PC and FBC Plants

Solid Waste/Byproducts of Gasification

• Background
• Major Gasification Solid Byproducts
• Chemical And Leachate Characterization of Gasifier Slag
• Gasifier By-Product Handling Experience
• Assessment of Disposal Options for Gasifier Solid By-Products
• Assessment of Gasifier By-Product Utilization
• Slag Utilization
• Comparison of the Environmental Performance of IGCC with PC and Fluidized Bed Power Plants