In this paper, we developed a detailed process model to evaluate the potential of heat generation from biomass combustion in a CFB (circulating fluidized bed) combustor by coupling Aspen Plus simulator and dedicated FORTRAN subroutines. Mass yields of permanent syngas and solid char are simulated with respect to the pyrolysis temperature by a series of experimental correlations. Particular emphasis was placed on the influence of EOR (excess oxygen ration) upon released emissions and temperature. The parameter of biomass particle size was taken into account to evaluate its impact on combustion parameters and pollutants. To better understand the oxy-fuel combustion, the combustion efficiency (Tic) evaluated as a function of the equivalence ratio and EOR. In order to evaluate the influence of the metal catalysts on the reaction temperature and the concentration of air pollutants, an experimental study of catalytic combustion was also carried out. Model predictions were compared with available data from the literature, which showed fully good agreement. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.