The production of substitute natural gas based on coal or biomass is once again back in focus, initiated by rising natural gas prices and the desire to become independent from natural gas imports. It is necessary to optimize the commercial process, e.g., by using harsher process conditions to reduce the recycle ratio. In line with this the development of new catalytic materials as well as the understanding of the reaction kinetics to control the heat of reaction and predict the lifetime of the catalyst is required.