Low temperature catalytic steam gasification of biomass is being investigated around the world as an environmentally friendly alternative to the existing techniques for hydrogen production. The aim of the present investigation was to gain a fundamental understanding about the catalytic steam gasification of some species under low temperature conditions. The research, in particular, focused on the role and relative importance of controlling parameters, such as reaction temperature and the heating rate on the composition of the products. It was found that higher temperatures and steam flow rates increased the gas yield. A relatively low reaction temperature of 600 degrees C and a high steam content of about 90% showed the strongest tendency for maximising the hydrogen production. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.