2l. Future Technologies: Oxy-Combustion

The air in earth’s atmosphere is a combination of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), argon (0.9%), and minuscule amounts of other gases. Oxygen is a flammable gas, while nitrogen and argon are not. 

Coal-fired plants typically use atmospheric air in their boilers. Oxy-Combustion is a future technology that uses purified oxygen to burn coal. The oxygen and coal react chemically, producing water vapor (steam) and carbon dioxide, which are used to turn a turbine. The carbon dioxide is separated from the steam and can be sold as a separate product.