Fuel cells can utilize solid carbonaceous fuels like coal and biomass, without directly contacting them with air, thereby resulting in lower and more concentrated emissions of CO₂ with decreased amounts of NOx, SOx, and particulates, allowing CO₂ to be easily captured and sequestered. Therefore, the energy and cost penalties to capture the CO₂ will be significantly less than for other technologies.

The overall reaction of a DCFC is also shown in equation: C + O₂ = CO₂

The fuel use can be almost 100%. The electrical efficiency is expected to be above 70% - almost twice those of current generation coal-fired plants leading to 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.