Systems and methods for power generation using oxy-fuel combustion

A system 50 and a method of generating energy in a power plant using a turbine 64 are provided. The system 50 includes an air separation unit 12 providing an oxygen output; a plasma generator 54 that is capable of generating plasma 60; and a combustor 14 configured to receive oxygen and to combust a fuel stream 58 in the presence of the plasma 60, so as to maintain a stable flame, generating an exhaust gas 62. The system 50 can further include a water condensation system 16, fluidly-coupled to the combustor 14, that is capable of producing a high-content carbon dioxide stream 70 that is substantially free of oxygen. The method of generating energy in a power plant includes the steps of operating an air separation unit 12 to separate oxygen from air, combusting a fuel stream 58 in a combustor 14 in the presence of oxygen, and generating an exhaust gas 62 from the combustion. The exhaust gas 62 can be used in a turbine 64 to generate electricity. A plasma 60 is generated inside the combustor 14, and a stable flame is maintained in the combustor 14.