A novel reformer using highly efficient heat regeneration for tar-free syngas production is developed and its performance demonstrated in a pilot-scale plant using steam gasification. Basic design parameters of the regenerative tar reformer, namely residence time and amount of oxidant are determined based on numerical results. It has been predicted that good performance could be achieved at an operation temperature about 1573 K, the residence time exceeding 4 s and an oxidant addition of 12% of the syngas flow rate. The regenerative tar reformer so designed shows stable operation. Over 99% of light and heavy tars are reformed to gas in the case of 11.3% oxygen addition to syngas. Further it is seen that a reduction of oxygen consumption more than 30% compared to a conventional oxidation reformer can be achieved. The formation of a high temperature zone and good mixing of syngas and oxygen has a strong influence on the tar reforming efficiency. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.