By Abbas Nazil
Japan’s offshore engineering company, MODEC, has partnered with Norway-based Eld Energy to develop a low-carbon offshore power solution aimed at enabling floating production, storage and offloading vessels to operate on zero-carbon electricity.
The collaboration focuses on creating a scalable multi-megawatt power system that can ultimately meet the full energy demand of FPSOs while eliminating carbon emissions.
Under the agreement, the two companies will jointly develop an integrated solid oxide fuel cell system combined with carbon dioxide capture technology specifically designed for offshore operations.
The partnership covers the design and manufacturing of a 120-kilowatt solid oxide fuel cell system alongside an integrated CO2 capture and fuel recovery unit, with a patent currently pending.
This new development builds on earlier progress made by MODEC and Eld Energy, who have been jointly designing and manufacturing a pilot-scale 40-kilowatt fuel cell system since 2025.
The pilot system utilizes associated natural gas produced during FPSO operations, allowing energy generation directly at sea while reducing flaring and emissions.
The latest agreement increases the system’s output from 40 kilowatts to 120 kilowatts, representing a major step toward larger-scale offshore deployment.
The companies view the expanded capacity as a critical milestone toward phased installation of fuel cell systems across FPSO fleets.
Solid oxide fuel cells are considered particularly suitable for offshore use due to their higher efficiency and significantly lower emissions compared with conventional gas turbine generators.
MODEC noted that traditional offshore power systems remain one of the largest contributors to emissions from floating production units.
By replacing gas turbines with advanced fuel cell technology, FPSOs could substantially cut greenhouse gas emissions while improving overall energy efficiency.
The upgraded system will integrate carbon capture technology optimized specifically for the exhaust characteristics of solid oxide fuel cells.
This approach allows CO2 to be captured more effectively while enabling recovery of unused fuel, further enhancing environmental performance.
The long-term objective of the partnership is to deliver a scalable multi-megawatt power solution capable of supporting the entire electrical load of an FPSO with zero carbon intensity.
MODEC said the initiative lays the groundwork for future FPSOs that can operate without direct carbon emissions.
According to the company, the solution is designed to be flexible and expandable, enabling gradual adoption across existing and new offshore assets.
The development is expected to improve not only environmental outcomes but also the operational value and efficiency of FPSOs.
MODEC confirmed that onshore operational testing of the integrated system is planned for 2027.
Following successful land-based trials, offshore demonstration projects are targeted to begin from 2028 onward.
The signing ceremony for the agreement took place at the Norwegian Embassy in Japan, highlighting the international nature of the collaboration.
Executives from MODEC and Eld Energy, along with diplomatic representatives, attended the event to formalize the partnership.
MODEC stated that the initiative supports its broader commitment to balancing stable energy supply with emissions reduction.
The company emphasized that global energy demand continues to grow, making decarbonization of offshore production increasingly important.
MODEC added that technological innovation will play a central role in achieving a sustainable energy future.
The agreement comes as the offshore sector faces mounting pressure to reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining production reliability.
Fuel cell technology combined with carbon capture is viewed as a promising pathway for decarbonizing hard-to-abate offshore operations.
MODEC has remained active in advancing its energy transition strategy over recent months.
Last year, the company initiated a strategic merger of its wholly owned subsidiaries MODEC America and SOFEC.
The move was aimed at creating an integrated mooring solutions business unit to strengthen its global service portfolio.
With the new partnership, MODEC continues to expand its technological capabilities beyond traditional offshore engineering.
Industry observers see the collaboration as a significant step toward next-generation FPSOs designed around low-carbon power systems.
If successful, the technology could redefine offshore electricity generation and support broader decarbonization goals across the oil and gas industry.
