An experimental investigation concerning the nature of contact glow discharge electrolysis (CGDE) as a viable method for continuous generation of steam is presented. Current-voltage characteristics and non-uniform temperature distribution inside an electrolytic cell are reported for two different electrolytes, NaHCO3 and NaCl, and for two concentrations of NaHCO3. Substantial increase in voltage and reduction in current are observed as the process transitions from normal electrolysis to contact glow discharge electrolysis as the electrolyte solution approaches its boiling temperature. A peculiar temperature distribution is observed which divides the cell into a high temperature region near the free surface of the electrolyte and a low temperature region near the bottom of the cell. It is shown that CGDE can be used to generate steam continuously with steam generation efficiencies of the order of 80%. The present process can be extended to generate steam efficiently using a variety of liquid wastes. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.