Utilization of energy obtained by substoichiometric combustion of low heating value gases

A method for the recovery of energy from a gas stream which has a heating value that varies with time and has an average heating value in the range of about 5 to about 200 Btu/scf. and comprising a combustible component selected from carbon monoxide and up to about 50 mol percent hydrogen, the method which comprises the steps passing said gas stream admixed with a substantially constant rate of air for combustion at an overall average air equivalence ratio of between about 0.2 and about 0.9 in contact with an oxidation catalyst in at least one combustion zone at a temperature high enough to initiate and maintain combustion of said gas stream, and utilizing the heat energy produced in said gas stream by said combustion.