AbstractBio‐energy is now accepted as having the potential to provide the major part of the projected renewable energy provisions of the future as biofuels in the form of gas, liquid or solid fuels or electricity and heat. There are three main routes to providing these biofuels—thermal conversion, biological conversion and physical conversion—all of which employ a range of chemical reactor configurations and designs. This review focuses on thermochemical conversion processes for their higher efficiencies, lower costs and greater versatility in providing a wide range of energy, fuel and chemical options. The technologies of gasification and fast pyrolysis are described, particularly the reactors that have been developed to provide the necessary conditions to optimise performance. The primary products that can be derived as gas, liquid and solid fuels are characterised, as well as the secondary products of electricity and/or heat, liquid fuels and a considerable number of chemicals. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry