MODEC and Eld Energy will develop a 1.2 MW SOFC power system with carbon capture for future zero-emission FPSOs.
MODEC, Inc. has entered into a significant strategic collaboration with Eld Energy through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing an advanced 1.2-megawatt power generation system integrated with carbon capture technology. The initiative is intended for future deployment on Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs), supporting the offshore energy industry's transition toward lower-emission and eventually zero-emission operations.
Under the terms of the agreement, both companies will combine their expertise to create a highly efficient power solution capable of meeting the demanding operational requirements of offshore production facilities. The project represents an important step in the development of cleaner energy technologies for FPSOs, which play a vital role in offshore oil and gas production around the world.
As part of the collaboration, Eld Energy will be responsible for leading the design, procurement, engineering, and construction of the power generation system. The technology will be based on solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), a highly efficient fuel cell technology known for converting chemical energy directly into electricity at elevated temperatures. In addition to system development, Eld Energy will oversee the testing and validation phases to ensure the technology meets performance and reliability standards required for offshore deployment.
MODEC will focus on developing the associated carbon capture system and integrating both technologies into FPSO operations. The company will leverage its extensive experience in offshore engineering and vessel integration to ensure the combined solution can operate effectively in challenging marine environments while supporting emissions reduction objectives.
The planned 1.2 MW unit is expected to undergo onshore testing in 2029. Following successful validation, the companies intend to proceed with a long-term demonstration phase to evaluate operational performance, efficiency, and scalability under real-world conditions. This phased approach is designed to minimize technical risks while accelerating the commercialization of innovative low-carbon technologies for offshore energy production.
The new agreement builds upon an existing partnership between MODEC and Eld Energy that began in 2025. Since then, the companies have collaborated on the development of SOFC-based power systems specifically designed for offshore applications. Their earlier projects involved progressively increasing system capacity, starting with a 40-kilowatt SOFC unit and later advancing to a 120-kilowatt SOFC system integrated with carbon capture technology. The encouraging results achieved during these pilot programs demonstrated the technical feasibility of combining fuel cell power generation with carbon management solutions in offshore environments.
Leveraging the experience and knowledge gained from those earlier demonstrations, the partners are now moving toward a substantially larger-scale project. The 1.2 MW system is expected to showcase the scalability of SOFC technology while also proving the effectiveness of integrated carbon capture in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from offshore power generation.
Solid oxide fuel cells offer several advantages over conventional power generation technologies. They can utilize a variety of fuels and achieve high electrical efficiency by converting chemical energy directly into electricity without combustion. When paired with carbon capture systems, SOFCs provide a practical pathway for significantly reducing carbon emissions while maintaining the reliability and continuous power supply required for FPSO operations. This combination has the potential to play a crucial role in the decarbonization of offshore energy infrastructure.
Through this collaboration, MODEC reinforces its commitment to supporting a stable and reliable energy supply while pursuing innovative technologies that contribute to emissions reduction. The company views the integration of advanced fuel cell systems and carbon capture solutions as a key step toward the development of future zero-emission FPSOs and a more sustainable offshore energy sector.
