Direct Air Capture technology and cost assessment

This work evaluated the levelized cost of capture across six Direct Air Capture categories, including liquid solvents (LDAC), solid sorbents (SDAC), and electrochemical systems. ADI analyzed the land and clean electricity requirements for scaling to Gtpa milestones, highlighting the infrastructure bottlenecks and energy-intensity trade-offs of leading configurations.

The client

Integrated energy company

The situation

Rapidly evolving technology landscape and absurd cost claims made by startups creating significant uncertainty for strategic investment and R&D.

ADI’s contributions

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Cost curve benchmarking

ADI modeled capex and opex reductions through 2030.

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Infrastructure footprint analysis

The study calculated that scaling to 1 Gtpa would require renewable power and land area far exceeding current U.S. clean electricity production.

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Competitive risk profiling

ADI mapped dozens of technology developers by technical positioning and commercial maturity to identify potential industry disruptors.

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Revenue stream stacking

Analysis of tax credits, voluntary carbon markets, and CO2 feedstock values demonstrated that economical DAC requires multiple revenue sources.

Key outcomes

  • Established a factual cost benchmark for LDAC and SDAC technologies to guide internal R&D milestones and future venture capital investments.
Client Results
We needed a robust, specialized study within a very short period of time to make important executive decisions, and ADI delivered.
Joe Sentmanat Director, Finance Risk Mgmt, LyondellBasell

Industry experience

Ammonia and CCUS technology market assessment

This study examined the global ammonia (NH3) value chain and CO2​ conversion landscape, evaluating the technical maturity of steam methane reforming (SMR), autothermal reforming (ATR), and electrolysis-based production. ADI analyzed the economics of NH3​ as a hydrogen carrier versus liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), including the energy-intensive decomposition steps required for re-conversion. The work profiled […]

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Carbon dioxide conversion pathways assessment

ADI performed a techno-economic assessment of nine CO2 conversion routes, ranging from mineralization to electrochemical synthesis of platform chemicals. The analysis utilized thermodynamic feasibility and energy-intensity metrics to rank pathways by their ability to compete with conventional fossil-based production. The client Global investment firm The situation Difficulty in prioritizing investments across a fragmented landscape of […]

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CCUS market opportunity analysis

ADI assessed the commercial viability of CCUS adoption across industrial source sectors, modeling project IRRs under varied Inflation Reduction Act 45Q credit scenarios. The analysis evaluated infrastructure constraints, such as pipeline access and Class VI permitting timelines, to identify high-probability retrofits in biofuels and gas processing. The client Global industrial equipment manufacturer The situation High […]

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Cryogenic equipment market outlook

This assessment forecasted global demand for cryogenic heat exchangers and pumps across LNG, CCUS, and hydrogen liq\uefaction applications. ADI evaluated the cyclical nature of large-scale LNG capex alongside the rapid scale-up of blue hydrogen projects that rely on cryogenic CO2​ separation. The work assessed the role of high-efficiency coil-wound exchangers and brazed aluminum designs for […]

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Carbon dioxide conversion pathways techno-economic assessment

ADI prioritized nine CO2​-to-value pathways, ranging from carbon mineralization for cement to electrochemical routes for circular fuels. The work assessed the energy intensity and technology readiness of photocatalysis and chemo-enzymatic conversion. Analytical modeling of breakeven costs was conducted to identify the most commercially attractive products in the near-term. The client Global investment firm The situation […]

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