A novel reformer with porous ceramic oxygen distribution tube circled by electric wire for inspiring hot electron was designed for auto-thermal reforming of biomass raw fuel gas to produce syngas (H-2 + CO). The temperature of auto-thermal reformer was nearly uniform due to the excellent performance of partial oxygenation reaction in the reformer with porous ceramic tube for oxygen partitioning. The hot-electron inspired by electric wire promoted the cracking of biomass tar to form radical species, which were converted effectively to syngas over nickel based catalyst. The hot-electron also played an essential role in decreasing coke deposition on the surface of nickel based catalyst, which prolonged the lifetime of the reforming catalyst. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.