To reduce generation of greenhouse gases and to reduce fossil fuel consumption comparing with conventional combustion systems without a loss of energy output.

An oxygen fueled combustion system includes a furnace having at least one burner, an oxygen supply for supplying oxygen having a predetermined purity, and a carbon based fuel supply for supplying a carbon based fuel. The oxygen and the carbon based fuel are fed into the furnace in a stoichiometric proportion to one another to limit an excess of either the oxygen or the carbon based fuel to less than 5 percent over the stoichiometric proportion. The combustion of the carbon based fuel provides a flame temperature in excess of about 4500°F. The exhaust gas stream from the furnace has substantially zero nitrogen-containing combustion produced gaseous compounds from the oxidizing agent and reduces green-house gases.