In March 2005 the world’s first zero emission power plant, created by Clean Energy Systems (CES), began producing power in Kimberlina, California.This paper presents the history of zero emission plants (also called oxyfired, oxycombustion or oxyfuel plants) from their initial conception to the present state-of-the-art, focusing particularly on the development of cycles incorporating oxygen ion transport membranes. Among others the AZEP, CES, COOPERATE, Graz, Matiant, Milano, ZEMPES, ZEITMOP and ZENG cycles are presented. The development of ion transport membrane reactors is described. The authors conclude that zero emission plants are on the verge of becoming a multibillion euro industry.The original version of this paper was reviewed by IJoT. This revised version based on the reviews ofIJoT appears also in the Proceedings of 5th Annual Carbon Sequestration Conference 5-11 May 2006(Alexandria, VA) as paper 011 electronically.