The catalytic-sorbent based steam gasification of palm kernel shell is examined in a pilot-scale integrated fluidized-bed gasifier and fixed-bed reactor using coal bottom ash as a novel catalyst for cleaner hydrogen and syngas production. It enhances tar cracking and enriches hydrogen composition as an effective catalyst. The effect of temperature, steam/biomass ratio, CaO/biomass ratio, and coal bottom ash wt is evaluated for hydrogen yield, syngas composition, lower and higher heating values, and efficiency of carbon conversion, gasification, and cold gas. Steam is the most influential factor, and it enhances the hydrogen yield from 35.7 to 79.77. The CaO/biomass ratio and coal bottom ash have a positive impact on hydrogen and syngas yield with CO2 sorption and catalytic effect, respectively. The enhancement of hydrogen and syngas composition is due to the catalytic effect of Fe, Al, Mg, and Ca contents present in coal bottom ash as detected by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The metals content of Fe, Al, Mg, and Ca increased the hydrogen content by enhancing tar cracking, methane reforming, and water gas shift reaction. Maximum hydrogen and syngas production of 79.77 and 85.55 vol , respectively, were achieved at a temperature of 692 °C with 1.5 steam/biomass ratio and 0.07 wt coal bottom ash. © 2017 American Chemical Society.