LAUSR

Abstract Biomass gasification is a key opportunity to produce bio-renewable energy, replacing conventional fossil fuels. Nevertheless, its commercial development for hydrogen and syngas production has been hampered by a range of intractable issues. This review examines reported issues, comparing their impacts on the commerciality of large-scale and small-scale biomass gasification. The development of gasifiers is explored, and key indicators of performance discussed. A framework is developed to identify preferred selections of commercial gasifier technologies, using the key indicators to rank performance. Current commercial small-scale (70 kWe–3 MWe) gasifier technologies are reviewed confirming the dominance of derivatives of downdraft fixed bed gasifiers. The importance of this study is to highlight the success of commercial small-scale gasification systems, utilising their specific economic advantages over larger scale projects, and to encourage their further deployment while a framework is provided to rank gasifier designs to facilitate targeting of research and development efforts for maximum effectiveness.