In a landmark move to decarbonize offshore oil and gas operations, Japan's leading FPSO specialist MODEC has signed a MoU with Norway's Eld Energy to develop a 1.2 MW integrated solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and carbon capture power system for floating production units. The agreement was formally inked in Tokyo during the official visit of Norway's Crown Prince Haakon, in the presence of Norway's Minister of Trade and Industry, underscoring the strategic importance of cross-border collaboration for offshore energy transition.
Under the partnership, Eld Energy will lead the design, procurement, construction and validation of the 1.2 MW SOFC power system, leveraging its expertise in high-efficiency fuel cell technology. MODEC, a global pioneer in FPSO design and operation, will develop the dedicated carbon capture facility and oversee full system integration tailored to the unique operational requirements of offshore FPSOs. The joint team targets onshore testing of the complete unit in 2029, followed by long-term offshore demonstration to validate commercial viability.
This collaboration builds on a proven track record between the two companies, which have been working together since 2025 to scale SOFC technology for offshore applications. Their joint development has progressed successfully from a 40 kW proof-of-concept to a 120 kW pilot system integrated with carbon capture. The new 1.2 MW phase marks a critical step toward full commercial deployment, demonstrating the scalability of integrated carbon management solutions for offshore power generation.
MODEC emphasized that this technology offers a practical pathway to deep decarbonization without compromising operational reliability. SOFCs convert chemical energy directly to electricity at high efficiency and can run on multiple fuels, while the integrated carbon capture system enables significant emissions reductions. This combination addresses a key industry challenge: decarbonizing FPSO power generation while maintaining the uptime and operational flexibility required for offshore production.
This partnership reinforces both companies' commitment to advancing practical emissions reduction solutions for the offshore energy sector. As global demand for lower-carbon energy production grows, this innovative power system will help FPSO operators meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements while ensuring stable energy supplies.
MODEC EldEnergy FPSO CarbonCapture SOFC OffshoreDecarbonization MarineEnergy CleanEnergy OffshoreEngineering EnergyTransition
Home
-
Exhibition
Exhibition OverviewExhibitor Center -
Conference
-
Media Center
-
About Us
Days Countdown