A thermodynamic study of the equilibrium of the CO2 reforming of coke oven gas (COG) was carried out with the aid of Aspen Plush software. The influence of various operation conditions (temperature, pressure, COG composition and CO2/CH4 ratio) upon different parameters (conversions, yields, outlet composition, carbon production, by-products) was studied in order to evaluate the suitability of the process for producing a synthesis gas appropriate for methanol production. It was established that it is necessary to work at temperatures higher than 800 degrees C, at the lowest possible pressures and in stoichiometric conditions of CH4 and CO2. It was also found that the presence of light hydrocarbons in the COG gives rise to a syngas that is more suitable for methanol production than when they are absent. However, they were also observed to promote deactivation of the catalyst. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.