Coal-based Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power plants are more efficient and emit less carbon than traditional coal plants. By optimizing the design and incorporating carbon capture technologies, the plants can be even more efficient and cost-effective. Heat integration can increase efficiency by over 12% and reduce the cost of electricity by at least 5 cents per kilowatt-hour. Using a specific carbon capture technology called Ni-based chemical looping combustion (CLC) can further reduce carbon emissions and improve efficiency. However, the level of carbon capture affects the cost and emissions trade-off, so finding the right balance is crucial for these plants to be successful.