Two approaches of how hot gas cleaning above the ash melting point, which has been successfully demonstrated for the Pressurized Pulverized Coal Combustion Combined Cycle (PPCC), could be integrated in an IGCC with CO2 removal are described. The main advantage is the avoidance of slagging and fouling problems without the need for a gas quench. This is a prerequisite for the trouble-free operation of a highly efficient heat exchanger, a turbine, and a catalytic membrane, which offer the possibility of a significant increase in efficiency. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.