Catalysts and process technology intelligence

ADI provided ongoing market intelligence on catalyst innovations and licensing trends across the petrochemical value chain. The analysis focused on technology scale-up for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), renewable diesel, and advanced plastics recycling. Strategic risks, including the impact of IMO 2020 on refinery configurations and the growth of crude-to-chemicals (COTC) projects, were evaluated.

The client

Global specialty chemical provider

The situation

Decision risk regarding R&D investment in renewable fuel catalysts and competitive threats from COTC projects.

ADI’s contributions

Contribution icon 1

Technology trend monitoring

Tracked patent filings and pilot project announcements to identify emerging leaders in chemical recycling technologies.

Contribution icon 2

Impact analysis of COTC

Evaluated how integrated crude-to-chemicals complexes disrupt traditional catalyst and licensing business models.

Contribution icon 3

Renewable fuels deep-dive

Analyzed catalyst requirements and process step constraints for HVO and HEFA-based sustainable fuel production.

Contribution icon 4

Peer benchmarking

Benchmarked the financial performance and R&D spend of top-tier catalyst and technology licensors.

Key outcomes

  • Supported long-term innovation strategy and prioritized catalyst development for bio-based feedstock conversion.
Client Results
We asked ADI to study the hydroprocessing catalyst market to understand growth, key players, and strategic recommendations. It was a very good collaboration; the results were on target and we actually followed their recommendations.
Marcos Gomez Director, Renewable Energy, BASF

Industry experience

Energy transition strategy for offshore services

ADI screened over 20 energy transition opportunities to identify growth areas that leverage the client’s existing subsea engineering and offshore logistics capabilities. Opportunity profiling included a deep dive into the fixed and floating offshore wind segments, specifically targeting substructures and dynamic cable systems. The client Offshore engineering provider The situation Client needed to diversify into […]

Read now

Growth strategy for EPC and OFS sectors

ADI analyzed a global project portfolio and competitor EBITDA margins to identify high-growth plays in the Middle East. The work involved shortlisting 24 segments down to specific opportunities in offshore rig construction and subsea development. Evaluation of entry strategies and joint venture interdependencies helped define a high-level roadmap for regional scale. The client Regional EPC […]

Read now

Petrochemical technology licensing strategy

ADI evaluated over 40 petrochemical value chains to identify target molecules for a global EPC firm’s downstream expansion. The study used a two-tier screening process to analyze market attractiveness versus opportunity index for licensors. Detailed profiles of competitors’ SWOT and business models informed the selection of target molecules like methanol and acrylic acid. The client […]

Read now

Refining turnaround and maintenance due diligence

ADI supported investment due diligence by assessing the market outlook for refinery turnaround (TAR) and maintenance services. Primary research involved interviews with major U.S. Gulf Coast operators to validate job pipelines and post-pandemic labor cost escalations. The work included site-specific unit outage forecasts with regional spending trends and assessing competitive margins. The client Private equity […]

Read now

Small-scale methanol technology assessment

ADI performed an independent assessment of the technical and economic viability of modular methanol plants in North American shale basins. Research explored the cost arbitrage of converting flared or stranded gas into liquid chemical products across a wide range of feedstock pricing. Analysis identified critical risks in process scale-up and the competitive impact of U.S. […]

Read now

More insights

Browse all insights
ADI Newsletter banner
News Icon News

Newsletter: Data center power, ammonia, and biofuel mandates

In the June 2026 edition, AI-driven demand is surging, but constraints in grid capacity, permitting, and equipment supply are reshaping how and where data centers expand. Developers are increasingly embedding power considerations into site selection, shifting toward distributed infrastructure models and prioritizing regions with faster, more reliable access to electricity. As power availability becomes a […]

Read now
Research, R&D, Innovation
Article Icon Article

The growing challenge of industrial R&D

For much of the 20th century, R&D was viewed as a long-term investment in scientific discovery, often insulated from day-to-day operational pressures. Success was measured in patents, breakthrough technologies, and the promise of future growth. Today, that view no longer holds. Across energy, chemicals, and broader industrial sectors, R&D has been reshaped by a combination […]

Read now
Ammonia-fueled vessel or ship sailing
Article Icon Article

IMO’s safety guidelines pave the way for ammonia-fueled ships

Ammonia has increasingly emerged as a potential low-carbon marine fuel to support decarbonization in the maritime sector due to its carbon-free combustion profile. However, compared to methanol, ammonia has lagged behind in commercial adoption as a low-carbon marine fuel. This is primarily due to its toxicity, which requires more complex storage and handling systems, as […]

Read now
Browse all insights