Biomass gasification in moving beds, a review of European technologies

A critical review is presented of moving bed biomass gasifier systems presently commercially available or under development in the European Union. Advantages and possible problem areas are discussed in relation to particular applications. Catalysed by the EC JOULE and AIR programmes, a rather spectacular increase in interest in biomass gasification technology, particularly for combined heat and power generation, is noted. Counter current moving bed gasification for heat applications appear to be commercially available.