R and D activities in the fields of gas-fired and coal-fired MHD power generation now discontinued are reviewed and major technological problems are summarized. Most of the problems originate from the low conductivity feature in the gas-fired case and in the low conductivity plus slagging environments in the coal-fired counterpart. It is emphasized that the high efficiency and CO2 recovery capabilities of MHD power generation, which are much greater than those of other base-load-type fossil power technologies, could be realized by investigating the inherent features of the high temperature electromagnetic turbine, using such methods as thermo-chemical conversion of heat to chemical energy, high temperature fuel preheating, and oxygen combustion. In this respect, studies on alternative MHD topping combined systems are reviewed and the predominance of these systems over the gas turbine combined cycles is emphasized. The importance of a regeneration and recirculation scheme for an efficient thermal cycle is shown, and a stand-alone-scheme of open-cycle MHD power generation system is proposed wherein high efficiency, CO2 liquefaction and a wide range of combustion temperature selectivity are emphasized. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.