Gasification and Pyrolysis technologies are thermal processes that use high temperatures to break down any feedstocks containing Carbon. They are not incinerators. The Pyrolysis process degrades the feedstock to produce ash or charcoal, oil and synthetic gas (called syngas). Gasification is a further process that then breaks down the Hydrocarbons left by the initial pyrolysis, into syngas using a controlled amount of oxygen.

Gasification and Pyrolysis typically rely on Carbon-based feedstocks such as forest biomass, paper, petroleum based materials like plastics, and other organic materials such as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW).

The syngas is made up mainly of Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen (85%), with smaller amounts of Carbon Dioxide and Methane. Syngas (like biogas) can be used as a fuel to generate heat and electricity in an engine generator, or steam in a boiler, or used as a basic chemical in the petrochemical and refining industries. Other byproducts include liquids (mainly from water used for washing the gas clean) and solid residues (ash or char).

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