the california energy commission and the university of california, davis, have been developing gasification technology for converting various agricultural and forestry residues to a low btu gas since 1976. the systems are intended for small scale use in dispersed locations such as sawmills, food processors, cotton gins, etc. the gas product is primarily n//2, co and h//2. the energy content ranges between 150-200 btu/scf. the fuels tested include walnut shell, wood chip, logging waste, corn cobs, cotton gin trash, rice hulls and orchard prunings. the largest gasifier tested produces 8-10 million btu/hr and has been monitored in operation by the california air resources board and it met all emission standards it is currently economical to utilize small scale gasifiers with on-site residues even assuming no disposal credit for the residues the cost is comparable to or less than current natural gas prices in california. the gas has been successfully used to power internal combustion engines to generate electricity or shaft power for irrigation pumping