Integrated power generation and chemical production using fuel cells at a reduced electrical efficiency

A method for producing electricity, and H2 or syngas, using a molten carbonate fuel cell having an anode and cathode, the method comprising:

• introducing an anode fuel stream comprising a reformable fuel into the anode of the molten carbonate fuel cell, an internal reforming element associated with the anode of the molten carbonate fuel cell, or a combination thereof;
• introducing a cathode inlet stream comprising CO2 and O2 into the cathode of the molten carbonate fuel cell;
• generating electricity within the molten carbonate fuel cell;
• generating an anode exhaust from an anode outlet of the molten carbonate fuel cell;
• separating from the anode exhaust a H2-containing stream, a syngas-containing stream, or a combination thereof,
• wherein an electrical efficiency for the molten carbonate fuel cell is between about 10% and about 40% and a total fuel cell efficiency for the molten carbonate fuel cell of at least about 55%.