Atlanta-based GE Energy announced Tuesday it would acquire the gasification technology business of a subsidiary of ChevronTexaco Corp. Financial details were not disclosed.

With the agreement to buy ChevronTexaco Worldwide Gasification Technology Inc., the General Electric Co. subsidiary will broaden its gasification plant offerings and expand its ability to provide coal power generation with less pollutants. GE Energy now supplies natural gas turbines for more than 60% of the world’s gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) industry.

GE has worked with ChevronTexaco on a number of IGCC projects, including the application of IGCC at the 100 MW Cool Water plant in California, a demonstration project completed in 1984, and the Tampa Electric Co.’s 250 MW Polk Power Station in Florida, which began operation in 1996.

The ChevronTexaco gasification technology business has been developing and licensing gasification-related intellectual property for use in the chemicals, electric power and hydrogen producing industries for more than 50 years. Gasification converts coal, petroleum liquids and other hydrocarbon materials into synthesis gas, which is generally used for the production of process chemicals and power.

“The technology inherent in ChevronTexaco’s gasification technology business is a key component for creating a cleaner coal power generation option for customers,” said John Rice, CEO of GE Energy.

John Gass, president of ChevronTexaco Global Gas, called the company’s gasification technology business “an ideal fit with GE Energy’s plans to enhance its offerings and grow in this business segment.” He said GE Energy would “provide the best home for the gasification technology and the employees who will be needed to run the new business.”

ChevronTexaco and GE Energy plan to work closely to ensure minimal disruption to ongoing business. GE Energy will continue to headquarter the gasification business in Texas, where most of ChevronTexaco’s gasification employees are located.

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