The process and
system of the invention converts carbonaceous feedstock such as
coal,
hydrocarbon oil,
natural gas,
petroleum coke,
oil shale, carbonaceous-containing
waste oil, carbonaceous-containing
medical waste, carbonaceous-containing military waste, carbonaceous-containing
industrial waste, carbonaceous-containing
medical waste, carbonaceous-containing
sewage sludge and
municipal solid waste, carbonaceous-containing
agricultural waste, carbonaceous-containing
biomass, biological and biochemical waste, and mixtures thereof into electrical energy without the production of unwanted
greenhouse emissions. The process and
system uses a combination of a gasifier, e.g., a
kiln, operating in the exit range of at least 700° to about 1600° C. (1300-2900° F.) to convert the carbonaceous feedstock and a
greenhouse gas
stream into a synthesis gas comprising mostly
carbon monoxide and
hydrogen without the need for expensive catalysts and or
high pressure operations. One portion of the synthesis gas from the gasifier becomes electrochemically oxidized in an
electricity-producing fuel
cell into an exit gas comprising
carbon dioxide and water. The latter is recycled back to the gasifier after a portion of water is condensed out. The second portion of the synthesis gas from the gasifier is converted into useful
hydrocarbon products.