Evaluating the commercial feasibility of developing salt caverns for hydrogen storage on the U.S. Gulf Coast required a granular look at incumbent-controlled infrastructure. ADI analyzed the capital intensity of underground hydrogen storage compared to natural gas alternatives, highlighting the impact of low annual cycling rates on merchant returns. The analysis weighed the trade-offs between merchant hydrogen storage and pursuing partnerships with industrial gas incumbents.
The client
Midstream energy infrastructure developer
The situation
A developer faced commercial uncertainty over merchant hydrogen storage caverns due to pipeline control and opaque pricing by regional incumbents.
ADI’s contributions
Infrastructure mapping and asset analysis
Reduced market risk by mapping Gulf Coast SMR and pipeline networks to evaluate localized cavern storage connectivity benefits for incumbents.
Capital cost estimation and modeling
Modeled the full expenditure profile required to develop large-scale underground hydrogen storage assets, providing clear baseline cost comparisons against conventional natural gas options.
Commercial model evaluation
Assessed land leasing, co-investment, and self-development frameworks to clarify revenue limits imposed by incumbent pipeline monopolies.
Primary research and expert insights
Conducted structured primary interviews with industry experts to confirm contracting norms and the value of hydrogen storage.
Key outcomes
- Enabled a strategic capital allocation decision to pivot from independent merchant hydrogen storage toward low-volatility reliability partnerships with industrial gas incumbents, while keeping high-deliverability natural gas storage as a viable near-term alternative.
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