Vortexing fluidized-bed combustor (VFBC) has been proven to be an effective equipment in converting biomass wastes into clean energy. This study conducted experiments on rice husk combustion in a VFBC with FGR. The effect of FGR on combustion characteristics is investigated. In addition, the effect of operating variables such as excess oxygen ratio, and in-bed stoichiometric oxygen ratio on the temperature distributions, pollutants emissions, and combustion efficiency are also studied. The results show that the combustion efficiency of rice husk can reach 99% at optimal operation condition. CO emission increases with the in-bed stoichiometric oxygen ratio, but decreases with excess oxygen ratio. NOx emissions show inverse trend, and it can be effectively reduced by using FGR in the VFBC. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.