The air-blown gasification cycle (ABGC) is being developed in the UK and this paper gives an overview of the different parts of the programme. Pilot-scale investigations of the fuel flexibility of the gasification process have been conducted. A selection of world coals have been gasified at elevated pressure. The performance and operability of the gasifier with these coals is discussed. The successful development of the components of the ABGC is nearing completion, although there are some outstanding areas that need further investigation.