Small-scale thermal biomass gasification is a growing commercial technology in some developing countries, notably China and India. Gas from a gasifier can be burned directly for heat or used in gas turbines or gas engines for electricity and/or motive power. In a few Chinese provinces, biogas from thermal gasifiers also provides cooking fuel through piped distribution networks. The total installed capacity of gasifiers in India was estimated at 35 MW in 2002, and ten manufacturers are selling small-scale gasifiers together with engines up to 300 kW. In the Philippines, gasifiers have been coupled to dual-fuel diesel engines and used for rice-milling and irrigation since the 1980s. Gasifiers have also been demonstrated in Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.[N40]

In India, projects involving biomass gasification in silk and other textile production and processing have been demonstrated on a commercial basis, involving local entrepreneurs and short payback periods. Spice (cardamom) drying, also with gasifiers and no reliance on electricity, yields a higher-quality product in a shorter drying period. In this application, the investments pay for themselves in one season. More than 85 percent of the beneficiaries are small producers who own less than two hectares. The drying of rubber, again with gasifiers, also demonstrates the capability to displace conventional energy and deliver a payback of less than one year. Gasifiers are also used to dry bricks before firing in a kiln. The use of a gasifier reduces fuel consumption and associated smoke and decreases the drying time (increasing productivity) while improving working conditions.