Commercial assessment of Gulf Coast hydrogen storage

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.

Midstream energy infrastructure developer

A developer faced commercial uncertainty over merchant hydrogen storage caverns due to pipeline control and opaque pricing by regional incumbents.

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Reduced market risk by mapping Gulf Coast SMR and pipeline networks to evaluate localized cavern storage connectivity benefits for incumbents.

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Modeled the full expenditure profile required to develop large-scale underground hydrogen storage assets, providing clear baseline cost comparisons against conventional natural gas options.

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Assessed land leasing, co-investment, and self-development frameworks to clarify revenue limits imposed by incumbent pipeline monopolies.

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Conducted structured primary interviews with industry experts to confirm contracting norms and the value of hydrogen storage.

  • 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.
Client Results
ADI organized a vast amount of information regarding hydrogen technologies and technoeconomics into a format that was easy to understand. Their work was instrumental in helping us make the right investment decision.
Prasenjeet Ghosh Global Head, Hydrogen Strategy and Technology Ventures, ExxonMobil

Industry experience

Clean coal hydrogen cost optimization

ADI developed granular process and cost models across coal gasification pathways to understand where hydrogen production costs could be reduced. The work examined gasifier selection, syngas cleanup, CO₂ capture, and integration with power generation to quantify trade‑offs across configurations. Scenarios were ranked to identify pathways suitable for further demonstration rather than incremental optimization. The client […]

Hydrogen infrastructure due diligence

ADI performed a market-focused due diligence of a hydrogen distribution company to evaluate its positioning within the transportation sector in California. The work assessed low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS) credit pricing volatility and the total cost of ownership (TCO) for heavy-duty FCEV trucks compared to battery and diesel alternatives. The client Private equity firm The situation […]

Hydrogen storage commercialization analysis

To evaluate a commercial partnership proposal, ADI engineered a strategic framework for an underground hydrogen storage cavern asset. The analysis assessed economic trade-offs between alternative progress payment schedules and long-term capital recovery under Section 48E tax credit guidelines, providing clarity on commercial risk boundaries. The client Emerging midstream infrastructure operator The situation An infrastructure operator […]

Global hydrogen demand assessment

ADI leveraged proprietary demand models to project hydrogen consumption across heavy-duty trucking and bus segments in North America, East Asia, and Europe. The study evaluated pump-price parity across regions and the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on green hydrogen adoption over a 10-year period. The client Clean technology provider The situation Ambiguity regarding […]

Competitive positioning of a hydrogen tech company

ADI Analytics supported a competitive assessment of a hydrogen technology company by identifying key players, validating strategic hypotheses, and conducting primary research across the hydrogen and electrolysis landscape. The client A diversified holding company evaluating the competitive positioning of one of its portfolio companies in hydrogen generation and electrolysis. The situation The client wanted to […]

Hydrogen electrolyzer cost benchmarking and outlook

ADI assessed the cost competitiveness of alkaline, proton exchange membrane (PEM), and solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC) electrolyzers, focusing on the capex variations globally. The work detailed the cost outlook of stack components like bipolar plates and catalyst-coated membranes over a 10-year period. Levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) modeling was used to demonstrate variations in […]

CNG and hydrogen fuel market analysis

ADI Analytics assessed the market and growth potential of compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen as transportation fuels in North and Latin America for a leading compressor manufacturer. The client A leading compressor manufacturer exploring growth opportunities in the CNG and hydrogen transport fuel markets. The situation The client sought to understand trends, market needs, […]

Compact hydrogen generator commercialization strategy

This engagement assessed the commercial viability of a compact hydrogen generator (CHG) by benchmarking it against incumbent large-scale SMR and cryogenic liquid hydrogen supply chains. ADI analyzed the trade-offs between capital recovery and sourcing diversity for refiners to address rising hydroprocessing capacity needs. The client Energy technology R&D organization The situation Uncertainty regarding how small-scale […]

Global hydrogen market assessment and outlook

ADI developed high-level demand and supply forecasts for liquid hydrogen over a 10-year period, with a focus on mobility and semiconductor applications. The work highlights the ortho-to-para conversion catalyst requirements and the impact of rapid cooling on storage boil-off risks. Demand scenarios were balanced against a database of over 600 low-carbon hydrogen projects to identify […]

Strategic assessment of IRA incentives for refiners

ADI analyzed the stackable tax credits provided by the Inflation Reduction Act to prioritize decarbonization projects at existing refining assets. The study mapped technical pathways for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), blue hydrogen, and carbon capture against regional infrastructure and environmental justice criteria. This effort identified how loan guarantees and transferability provisions can de-risk capital projects […]

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