A detailed simulation model for hydrogen production using catalytic steam gasification of palm kernel shell in an atmospheric dual fluidized bed gasifier using an Aspen Plus® simulator is developed. The catalytic adsorbent-based steam gasification of palm kernel shell is studied in a pilot scale dual fluidized bed reactor using coal bottom ash as a catalyst for hydrogen and syngas production. The use of a catalyst along with the adsorbent improved tar cracking and enhanced the hydrogen content of syngas. The effect of temperature and the steam�biomass ratio on hydrogen yield, syngas composition and lower and higher heating values was studied. An increase in steam�biomass ratio enhanced the hydrogen content from 60 to 72 mol. The maximum value of hydrogen production, i.e. 72 vol was achieved at a steam�biomass ratio of 1.7. The use of adsorbent and coal bottom ash had a significant effect on hydrogen and syngas yield. A maximum of 80.1 vol hydrogen was achieved at a temperature of 650 °C with a 1.25 steam�biomass ratio and 0.07 wt coal bottom ash. © 2018, © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.