Performance analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA) of an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) fed with biomass with upstream CO2 chemical absorption has been carried out. The main working conditions have been determined by mean of partial exergetic analysis. A sensitivity analysis with respect to the CO2 absorbing solution composition has also been carried out. The reachable efficiency ranges between 35% and 36%, depending on gas turbine technology level. In comparison with efficiency values previously found for an IGCC fed with coal with upstream CO2 chemical absorption (38-39%), the configuration studied seems to be attractive because of the possibility of operating with a simplified scheme (without H2S removal process) and at atmospheric pressure and for the possibility of using biomass in a more efficient way with respect to conventional combustion systems. Due to the lower efficiency, the specific CO2 emission results higher (170 kg/MW h) with respect to the cycle fed with coal and CO2 removal (130 kg/MW h). Moreover, the CO2 balance has been determined with respect to the entire life cycle of the plant, including the construction, operation, dismantling and the biomass growing phases. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.