2.1. Syngas production
The modern methanol production technologies involved two
major catalytic processes; the production of synthesis gas followed
by upgrading the synthesis gas (i.e. syngas) into methanol. The
principal raw materials for synthesis gas production are natural gas,
methane gas from associated petroleum, shale gas, coal and
biomass. Synthesis from fossil sources can be successfully achieved
by the reforming technologies (i.e. dry and steam reforming)
whereas pyrolysis and gasification processes for the biomass-based
production option. The increasing global interest on the production
and valorization of shale gas