Global PEM electrolyzer and GDL market assessment

ADI evaluated the market for carbon paper gas diffusion layers (GDL) within the rapidly expanding PEM electrolyzer supply chain. The research assessed the technical transition from titanium porous transport layers and modeled the impact of rising current density on future material demand. High and low cases accounted for green hydrogen production targets and announced OEM manufacturing capacities over a 10-year period.

Private equity and materials producer

A producer required a market size estimate for specialized carbon papers to justify investment in new commercial-scale capacity.

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Interviews with 35 experts across OEMs and developers confirmed the widespread replacement of titanium with carbon paper.

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Scenario modeling for market value over a 10-year period incorporated PEM efficiency, power density asymptotes, and expected price erosion.

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Analysis of announced manufacturing capacity highlighted a potential shortfall in supply relative to national green hydrogen targets.

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Technical analysis of PEM stack goals identified water treatment and gas purification as promising expansion areas for the client.

  • Justification of commercial-scale capacity expansion based on a projected annual growth rate in GDL demand.
Client Results
We used ADI to look at proprietary chemical and unconventional technologies. They provided broad landscaping and benchmarking for the market opportunities we were looking at.
Johanna Schmidtke Investment Director, Aramco Ventures

Industry experience

Global energy transition digital spend outlook

ADI assessed a global energy transition capital spend and outlook through 2050, identifying the addressable market for digital technologies. The study analyzed how the shift toward fragmented, low-carbon infrastructure will impact the need for digital integration across intermittent renewables and energy storage systems. Modeling surfaced critical factors that will dictate the pace of digital adoption. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Hydrogen market assessment and go-to-market strategy

ADI evaluated global hydrogen demand across high-volume refining and ammonia sectors alongside emerging small-volume applications in semiconductors and glass. The study utilized technical benchmarks for SMR and electrolysis to identify segments where on-site reliability and high purity levels (99.9999%+) justify compact reactor adoption over traditional tube trailer delivery. The client Industrial technology provider The situation […]

Midstream asset commercial strategy and economics

ADI assessed the market value of natural gas and hydrogen storage assets near the U.S. Gulf Coast through a detailed analysis of regional pipeline interconnects and seasonal spreads. The work evaluated the premium commanded by high-deliverability salt caverns and the technical constraints of repurposing infrastructure for hydrogen. The client Natural gas midstream operator The situation […]

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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Implications of UAE’s exit from OPEC

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