Find out how emissions from coal-burning can be reduced by turning the coal into syngas. This is a fact sheet describing methods of coal gasification, and how the resulting syngas can drive a combined cycle power generator. It lists the advantages of the technology, including low emissions and increased efficiency as well as the disadvantages.

Educational value statement

• Includes diagrams showing the gasification and generation cycle
• Can be downloaded as a PDF or MSWord file.

Key learning objectives

• Students describe the production of syngas by gasification of coal
• Students explain how combined cycle power generation results in increased efficiency and reduced emissions
• Students discuss how low emission technologies have developed from the values and needs of contemporary society
• Students describe how chemistry can be used to produce useful fuels.

Strands
Science Understanding: Chemical sciences; Earth and space sciences; Physical sciences

Australian Curriculum content statements
Science: ACSSU116 (7); ACSSU179 (9); ACSSU187 (10); ACSSU190 (10); ACSHE121 (7); ACSHE230 (10)