A plasma torch is provided and adapted to generate very high operating temperatures to gasify various types of materials, such as biomass materials and various carbonaceous materials. The plasma torch is composed of a ceramic body that has first, second, and third intersecting bores. Each of the first, second, and third intersecting bores defines a threaded portion therein. A first and second tungsten carbide electrode is adjustably disposed in the first and second intersecting bores and operative to be adjustable to establish a controlled gap size therebetween. A compressed gas connection is threadably disposed in the threaded portion of the third bore and is operative to introduce a flow of compressed gas through the controlled gap. The first and second tungsten carbide electrodes are connectable to a source of electrical energy and functions to produce an electrical arc across the controlled gap. The resulting flame produced by the electrical arc burns at an extreme temperature.