Hydrogasification of pinewood was studied in the presence of steam using a micro-batch reactor. A series of reaction experiments were performed at temperatures ranging from 873 to 1043 K, and pressures ranging from 5 to 35 bar. It was found that steam significantly increases not only the rate of the hydrogasification reaction but also the conversion of carbon into product gases. The enhancement of the formation of total carbon-containing gases (CH4, CO, CO2 and C-2+) by adding steam is estimated to be as high as 30 times greater compared to dry hydrogasification at 1043 K. Increased hydrogen pressure also enhanced methane formation in the product gas. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.