Utilities initially were interested in the coal gasification process because it produces a clean-burning fuel that can be used directly in gas turbines, eliminating the need for costly and unreliable scrubbers. Sulfur and particulates are removed from the synthetic gas before it is burned, reducing emissions to less than one-tenth of existing federal air quality limits. The burning temperature of the gas is lower than in direct coal combustion so that formation of nitrogen oxides is minimized. In addition, the waste heat from gas turbines can be captured to generate steam to run a conventional steam turbine, making this integrated system not only one of the cleanest but also one of the most efficient means available to generate electric power