The catalytic performance of Cu-containing industrial dehydrogenation catalysts for the steam reforming of ethanol has been studied in the temperature range of 150-300 degrees C, using 12 wt% C2H5OH in water mixtures. It was found that without the catalyst appreciable hydrogen production started at temperatures above 300 degrees C and the hydrogen production rate reached 0.3 g (h)(-1) (kg cat.)(-1) at 400 degrees C. The use of catalysts allowed to reach hydrogen production rate of 19-25 g (h)(-1)(kg cat.)(-1) at 250-300 degrees C. Acetaldehyde, acetone, CO2 and CH4 were registered at the outlet of the ethanol reformer. Carbon monoxide was not detected, which was likely caused by intensive water gas shift reaction. (c) 2006 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.