A high power DC steam plasma torch system (S) includes a steam plasma torch assembly (1) wherein superheated steam (46) is used as the main plasma forming gas, thereby resulting in a very reactive steam plasma plume. The superheated steam (46) is injected internally directly into the plasma plume via a ceramic lined steam feed tube (25) for reducing condensation of steam before reaching the plasma plume. The superheated steam (46) flows through a gas vortex (16) which has tangentially drilled holes thereby resulting in a high speed gas swirl that minimizes electrode erosion. In the present steam plasma torch system (S), the plasma torch assembly (1) is ignited using an ignition contactor which is housed external to the plasma torch assembly (1). The superheated steam (46) is injected into the plasma plume using a water cooled steam vortex generator assembly (15).