Several aspects of using the advanced, high-temperature air/steam-blown gasification and pyrolysis technologies for converting solid fuels into syngas are examined. The gasification/pyrolysis systems, known as Multi-staged Enthalpy Extraction Technology (MEET), employ high-temperature air and steam as oxidizer agents for converting the solid fuels into syngas and have many features that are advantageous for power generation. The low-cost gasifier/pyrolyzer is extremely compact and flexible, capable of operating efficiently on a wide range of low-caloric-value fuels. Potential uses of this technology range from large-scale integrated gasification power plants to small-scale waste-to-energy applications. Present R&D status of the MEET technology are summarized and its main components are described. Major fuel resources for the different markets are explored. The performance and feasibility of diverse power conversion systems to couple with MEET gasifier/pyrolyzer for combined heat and power applications are assessed. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.