As offshore operators face increasing pressure to decarbonize, MODEC has entered a joint development agreement with Norway-based Eld Energy to advance integrated solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and CO2 capture systems for floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels.
The partnership focuses on a 120 kW SOFC system integrated with a CO2 capture and fuel recovery unit. MODEC and Eld Energy plan to cover the full development cycle, including prototype design, manufacturing, and onshore operational testing by 2027, with offshore demonstrations targeted for 2028. The system will build on prior work between the two companies, which produced a pilot 40 kW SOFC offshore power system using associated natural gas from FPSO operations.
Solid oxide fuel cells are increasingly recognized in offshore applications for their higher efficiency and lower emissions compared with conventional gas turbine generators. By combining SOFC technology with CO2 capture optimized for SOFC exhaust gases, the new system aims to deliver a scalable, multi-megawatt solution that can meet full FPSO power demand with zero carbon intensity.
MODEC emphasized that the initiative is designed to enhance environmental performance and operational value of FPSOs. By capturing CO2 at the source and leveraging fuel recovery, the system addresses the dual challenge of reducing emissions while maintaining reliable energy supply for offshore production.
The collaboration also reflects broader industry trends as operators integrate low-carbon power solutions into offshore infrastructure, aligning with regulatory and investor pressure for net-zero operations. The combination of SOFCs and CO2 capture could provide a blueprint for other offshore assets seeking to reduce the carbon footprint of electricity generation without compromising operational efficiency.
