FIELD: alternate fuels. SUBSTANCE: invention relates to catalytic method for steam conversion of ethanol to produce synthesis gas or hydrogen-enriched gas mixture, which can find use in a variety of areas including hydrogen power engineering as fuel for fuel elements. Method is implemented in reactor with two fixed catalyst beds. First-bed catalyst contains, as active component (at least 0.05 wt %), 16- group metal (copper, silver, gold) and/or precious metal selected from platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, and iridium deposited on graphite-like carbon support. Second-bed catalyst contains VIII-group metal selected from nickel, platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, and iridium. Reaction mixture entering second catalyst bed is preliminarily supplemented with oxygen or carbon dioxide with concentration no higher than 50 vol %. EFFECT: increased efficiency of steam conversion of alcohol due to use of water-ethanol mixture containing methanol and prevented deactivation of catalyst and formation if by-products. 10 cl, 8 tbl, 5 ex
