Abstract: The present invention involves the use of the cerium oxide based catalysts with or without 0.5-10 wt % of alkaline and alkaline earth promoters (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra) and mixed oxides containing ceria and zirconia and/or yttria an/or lanthanide elements (CexM1-xO2; M=Zr, Y, La, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu and 0.1<x<0.9) on the steam reforming and autothermal reforming at low temperatures of alcohols, in particular ethanol, or a mixture of these alcohols, like, for example, bio-ethanol. Low temperature was defined as 723-823 K. The catalysts of this invention exhibit good activity and stability, high selectivity to hydrogen, low formation of carbon monoxide (<150 ppm), small amounts of acetaldehyde and ethene and no production of ketone.