This review critically examines the state of the art of rate laws and kinetic constants for the gasification, with carbon dioxide and steam, and the combustion of chars produced from lignocellulosic fuels, including a brief outline about yields and composition of pyrolysis products. The analysis also gives space to the role played by various factors, such as heating rate, temperature and pressure of the pyrolysis stage, feedstock and content/composition of the inorganic matter, on char reactivity. Finally, directions for future research are suggested. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd.