Abstract: A method for two-stage combustion in which a mixture of fuel and primary combustion air is burned in a primary combustion zone, the primary combustion air comprising less than a stoichiometric requirement for complete combustion of the fuel, a portion of cooled partial combustion products formed in the primary combustion zone is recirculated from a downstream end of the primary combustion zone to an upstream end of the primary combustion zone, secondary combustion air is introduced into a secondary combustion zone downstream of the primary combustion zone, a portion of the heat from the primary combustion zone is removed, cooling the partial combustion products formed therein, and the heat is transported away from the combustion process. An apparatus for two-stage combustion in accordance with this method is also disclosed.