This work investigates the performance of Ba-Ni-hexaaluminate, BaNixAl12 - xO19, as a new catalyst in the steam-reforming of tars. Substituted hexaaluminates are synthesized and characterized. Steam reforming tests are carried out with both a model-substance (1-methylnaphthalene) and a slip-stream from a circulating fluidized bed gasifier. The water-gas-shift activity is studied in a lab-scale set-up. Barium-nickel substituted hexaaluminates show a high catalytic activity for tar cracking, and also shows activity for water-gas-shift. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.