Shale play benchmarking for investment prioritization

ADI Analytics benchmarked leading unconventional oil and shale gas plays across North America to help an oil major prioritize near- and medium-term investment opportunities.

A major oil and gas company evaluating investment opportunities in shale plays.

The client needed a systematic benchmarking approach to identify and prioritize shale plays based on production outlook, economics, supply chain, regulatory dynamics, and competitive intensity.

Contribution icon 1

Identified and defined over a dozen benchmarking metrics in consultation with the client.

Contribution icon 2

Developed a structured framework covering production forecasts, breakeven costs, rig productivity, midstream infrastructure, regulatory pressure, and competition.

Contribution icon 3

Developed short profiles for eight leading shale plays in the U.S. and Canada, including outlooks through 2020 and 2025.

Contribution icon 4

Recommended best investment opportunities using a customized benchmarking tool weighted according to client priorities.

  • ADI’s work provided the client with a clear, data-driven ranking of shale plays to inform near- and medium-term investment decisions.
Customer Results
ADI Analytics did an incredible job developing a thesis for our investments in the Marcellus. Highly-reliable source for insight on the shale gas and energy and chemical industries.
Bill Hall Director, Ben Franklin Technology Partners

Industry experience

Assessment and identification of promising shale gas plays

An E&P company sought to strategically diversify its portfolio by assessing and identifying high-potential unconventional resources. The client A Canadian exploration and production (E&P) company looking to expand beyond its conventional oil and gas reserves. The situation The client wanted to enter the unconventional resources market, which was, at the time, characterized by high costs […]

Shale gas strategy development for E&P player

ADI Analytics supported a leading exploration and production (E&P) independent in developing its shale gas strategy, including organizational design, process development, and opportunity evaluation. The client A leading independent E&P company pursuing entry into shale gas. The situation The client needed to establish a strategic foundation, processes, and organization to enter and scale up operations […]

Asset valuation for African oil and gas company

ADI Analytics supported an African oil and gas company in valuing its upstream assets and developing an informed investment strategy. The client An African oil and gas company evaluating upstream asset investment and development options. The situation The client needed valuation support and strategic guidance to assess its asset portfolio and determine a viable investment […]

Assessing artificial lift methods for U.S. oil plays

ADI Analytics analyzed gas lift solutions for an independent artificial lift firm, assessing technology, market potential, and adoption trends to guide its strategic growth. The client Independent artificial lift service company The situation The client, an independent artificial lift service company, required a comprehensive assessment of their gas lift technology to evaluate its market position, […]

Benchmarking corporate functions

ADI Analytics conducted a benchmarking study of corporate functions such as sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and government affairs for a mid-sized oil and gas company. The client A mid-sized oil and gas company seeking to strengthen key corporate functions. The situation The client needed a comparative analysis of its performance across core corporate functions […]

Upstream portfolio review for national oil company

ADI Analytics led a two-phase project to support a national oil company’s review of its upstream portfolio, covering conventional, unconventional, offshore, and oil sands assets. The client A national oil company reviewing and reshaping its upstream asset portfolio. The situation The client needed a structured approach to evaluate existing assets, define a target portfolio under […]

More insights

Premium content Icon Premium content

Catching up to China on critical minerals

The U.S. government is spending real money on critical minerals right now. On August 7, 2026, the Department of Energy launched a $100 million program to train more mining engineers. It’s one of several moves happening at the same time, alongside price guarantees, tariffs, and new sourcing rules. None of it changes the basic picture: […]

Article Icon Article

Middle East conflict’s fallout more limited than expected

Part of ADI Analytics’ ongoing coverage of the implications of the Iran conflict across oil & gas, LNG, refined products, and chemicals. Analysts have been quick to predict permanently altered LNG trade flows, structurally different chemical markets, and a new global energy order following the Iran conflict. Several months into the conflict, the evidence points […]

Article Icon Article

Japan vs. South Korea: SAF projects diverge

Japan and South Korea are moving from aspirational sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) targets toward blending mandates. In July 2026, Japan announced plans to mandate a 1% SAF blend in fiscal year (FY) 2030, rising to at least 3% in FY2031 and 5% or more from FY2032–34. South Korea announced its phased SAF mandate in 2025, […]