Technical demonstration of an innovative small-scale gasification and power generation system for solid fuels such as wastes and biomass are described which is known as the STAR-MEET (steam/air reforming type multi-staged enthalpy extraction technology) system. In this system, a fixed-bed pyrolyzer combined with a high temperature reformer using a high temperature steam/air mixture is employed. From the experimental results using various solid fuels, it has been demonstrated that the injection of high temperature steam/air mixture into the pyrolysis gas effectively decomposes tar and soot components in the pyrolysis gas into CO and H-2, and almost dust and tar free clean reformed gas can be generated. This gasification system generates low-BTU gas from solid fuels. Power generation experiments using a small, dual fueled (20% light oil gas + 80% low-BTU gas) diesel engine demonstrated high thermal efficiency around 30% and low emission (especially NOx). For the early commercialization of STAR-MEET systems, three classes of facility, which are different in capacity are under development. The current demonstration status is described. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.