A study of pyrolysis of olive residues (cuttings and kernels) at a temperature range from 300 to 600 degrees C, has been carried out. The experiments were performed in a captive sample reactor at atmospheric pressure under helium. The yields of the derived gases, pyrolytic liquids and char were determined in relation to pyrolysis temperature, at heating rates of about 200 degrees C/s. As the pyrolysis temperature was increased the percentage mass of char decreased whilst gas and oil products increased. The oil products increased to a maximum Value of similar to 30 wt% of dry biomass at about 450-550 degrees C, The major gaseous products are CO and CO2. A simple first order kinetic model has been applied to the evolution of total losses and gases. Kinetic parameters have been estimated and compared with other reported similar data. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.