A review with 79 refs., of processes for conversion of polysaccharides to H by pyrolysis, steam gasification, hydrothermal gasification with H2O under supercritical conditions, and by enzymic fermentation to MeCOOH or EtOH with following steam reforming of the org. intermediates and shift conversion of CO to H. The conditions for carrying out the processes were given. In particular, the tech. data of reactor construction and process operation were included.