Renaissance of gasification based on cutting edge technologies : The ideal economical solution for refinery upgrades and a unique alternative for power utilities to avoid the high costs of fossil fuels and decrease emissions

The introduction of stringent anti-pollution requirements and rising prices of primary energy carriers oil and gas as well as the resulting ever more costly disposal of production residues, such as in the refinery process, intensify the development and implementation of alternative technologies. This paper first introduces the main gasification technologies and then deals individually with their history. The Shell Gasification Technology, which is currently enjoying highly successful marketing, is particularly emphasised here.