Abstract: A method and apparatus, in one example, relates to a system and method for the generation of very low-tar, high-energy synthesis gas from a large variety of carbonaceous feedstock, including those with higher moisture levels than conventional gasifiers. The system comprises a gasification reactor wherein a portion of the energy of the output syngas of the reactor is used to heat the gasification zone of the reactor via an annular space surrounding the gasification zone of the gasifier, to maintain a temperature condition above 800° C. The maintenance of a long, quasi-uniform high-temperature gasification zone reduces the amount of input air or oxygen, reduces bridging within the gasifier, cracks pyrolysis oils, increases the conversion of char, minimizes heat losses from the bed, and converts moisture within the packed bed into a gasification medium. This results in a very low tar synthesis gas with less nitrogen dilution and higher energy content than conventional gasifiers.