ADI evaluated the global lithium-ion battery (LIB) value chain, emphasizing technical and economic requirements for cathodes, anodes, and electrolytes. The analysis contrasts the rapid adoption of LFP chemistries against NCM and emerging sodium-ion alternatives while modeling cost curves across major manufacturing hubs. Operational constraints, including raw material price volatility and grid-scale storage demands, were assessed to guide long-term infrastructure investment.
The client
National investment and infrastructure fund
The situation
Uncertainty regarding the timing of battery chemistry shifts and the competitive viability of domestic LIB material production.
ADI’s contributions
Chemistry-level demand modeling
Modeled demand scenarios for LFP, NCM, and sodium-ion batteries by correlating EV penetration rates with stationary storage needs.
Value chain cost analysis
Developed cost-per-kWh benchmarks for cell components to evaluate the economic trade-offs of localized material sourcing.
Proprietary asset benchmarking
Leveraged a global database to map existing and planned gigafactory capacities and their impact on material supply balances.
Regulatory impact assessment
Analyzed how global trade policies and domestic production incentives shape the competitive landscape for battery minerals.
Key outcomes
- Informed capital prioritization for gigafactory development and identified strategic entry points in the battery recycling and cathode supply chain.
More insights
Multi-client studies
Water limits are reshaping operations in oil and gas, power, and chemicals
Water now sets operating limits in three industries ADI covers. Permian produced water volumes rose from 11.2 million bbl/d in 2017 to 24.9 million bbl/d in 2025, and regulators have restricted the disposal wells that take most of it. Refineries and chemical plants on the Texas Gulf Coast and the Rhine face allocation plans and […]
Premium content
Trends shaping the U.S. midstream outlook
I recently had the opportunity to share ADI’s latest research on the U.S. midstream oil and gas industry at the 10th Annual OCTG & Line Pipe Forecast Summit. My presentation explored how oil and gas production growth, LNG export expansion, and increasing power demand are driving a new wave of midstream investment. As illustrated in […]
Article
EU SAF premium hits a 20 month-low
Global sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) prices came under significant pressure in October 2026, with the European SAF premium reportedly falling to a 20-month low. The decline reflects three key factors: Exhibit 1. SAF project pipeline by region and development status since 2021 In the ninety-fifth edition of ADI’s biweekly SAF newsletter, SAF Tracker, ADI explores […]