The use of domestic (high-ash) low rank (sub-bituminous and lignite) coal reserves contributes to the security of energy supply, and therefore high-ash coal is expected to remain as a key energy source in several countries (e.g. India, Turkey, Greece) for at least the next 30-40 years. However, the use of high-ash coals for energy production, currently performed mainly via combustion processes, poses a number of technical and economic challenges, e.g. low efficiency and environmental issues. Gasification is an attractive option, since it allows a more efficient, more environmentally friendly conversion of the coal. In particular, gasification for power production (IGCC) or synthesis of Substitute Natural Gas (SNG) offers high efficiency, reduced emissions and potential for the implementation of CO_2 capture. With this background, the OPTIMASH project aims at the optimization of the operating conditions of IGCC technology based on high-ash coals.
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