Methanol synthesis has undergone continuous improvements for over nearly a century. Among others are the advent of low-pressure synthesis, once-through designs, and advanced reforming technologies. In reviewing some 25 technologies, we will not dwell in technical details but focus on one major goal, i.e. minimising the investment costs. Our pragmatic indicator for investment savings will be the minimisation of energy transfer duty and, particularly, the minimisation of gas recycle and fuel firing. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.