Investment Security for Hydrogen Projects: Dii Study Highlights Benefits of Shared Infrastructure
Dauerthal (Germany) - Financing large-scale hydrogen projects remains complex and risk-prone. A new study by Dii Desert Energy shows how shared infrastructure can reduce technical, legal and economic barriers, thereby supporting the implementation of major projects worldwide.
CUI as a Lever for Investment Security
In the hydrogen sector, CUI refers to assets and components such as electrolyzers, hydrogen storage facilities or transport pipelines that are accessible to multiple projects. Shared use allows investment costs to be distributed, technical risks to be reduced and regulatory standards to be clearly defined.
The study categorizes CUI project risks into three groups: traditional risks in large infrastructure projects, complex risks such as “project-on-project risk” in multi-user hydrogen hubs, and novel risks that require new hydrogen-specific legal frameworks - for example, product certification and state aid regulations.
Eng. Abdulaziz Al Shidhani, Managing Director of Hydrogen Oman, emphasizes: “When access, ownership, and operating standards are clearly defined, investors gain the confidence to move from plans to execution. This approach creates a stable environment where projects can progress collectively, infrastructure is efficiently utilized, and long-term value is realized for the wider economy.”
Practical Examples and Recommendations
Manuel Geiger, VP and Head of International Business Development at Enertrag, explains: “The technical and commercial structure of a CUI is a major differentiator of potential hydrogen production markets. We therefore work closely with the relevant entities in partner countries to jointly develop a framework that allows for increased bankability and cost competitiveness in a market where projects compete globall.”
Cornelius Matthes, CEO of Dii Desert Energy, adds: “ Common use infrastructure is widely stated as key factor to make large scale renewable energy and hydrogen projects bankable. Different models and practical case studies guide us on how this barrier can be overcome.”
The study provides concrete recommendations for project developers and shows how CUI models can be tailored to specific locations and strategies to enable efficient implementation and targeted risk management.
The report will be presented at the 15th Dii Desert Energy Summit on 6 November 2025 in Dubai.
Authors and Partners of the Report
The study was prepared by Dii Desert Energy in cooperation with Enertrag, Hydrom, Addleshaw Goddard and the ILF Group. Enertrag contributed technical and regulatory expertise from projects in Namibia and Jordan. Hydrom coordinated the implementation of Oman’s Green Hydrogen Strategy. Addleshaw Goddard provided legal advisory input, while the ILF Group supported the analysis of complex infrastructure projects. Together, the partners developed case studies and recommendations demonstrating how CUI can enhance the bankability of hydrogen projects worldwide.
Source: IWR Online, 04 Nov 2025
