MODEC Partners With Eld Energy to Advance Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Innovation for Low-Carbon Offshore Operations

MODEC, a leading provider of offshore floating platforms, has entered into a strategic partnership with Norway-based Eld Energy AS to engineer an advanced solid oxide fuel cell system integrated with carbon dioxide capture technology. The collaboration targets revolutionary improvements in offshore energy production, with the goal of delivering zero-carbon-intensity power solutions for floating production, storage and offloading vessels. This joint initiative represents a significant leap in sustainable maritime energy technology.

Tripling Capacity: The Path From Pilot to Scaled Deployment

The solid oxide fuel cell technology will undergo substantial capability expansion as part of this development roadmap. Building on the existing 40-kilowatt pilot project that has been operational since 2025, the partners will scale the system up to 120 kilowatts—a three-fold increase designed to move the technology closer to commercial viability. This progression demonstrates how focused engineering can transform proof-of-concept demonstrations into deployment-ready solutions. The upgraded system will seamlessly integrate a CO2 capture and fuel recovery unit optimized for the fuel cell’s exhaust stream, enabling both energy efficiency and environmental protection simultaneously.

Timeline and Testing Strategy: Shore to Sea Deployment

The development pathway follows a carefully structured validation schedule. Onshore testing operations are planned to commence in 2027, allowing engineers to thoroughly evaluate the system under controlled conditions before ocean deployment. Following successful land-based trials, offshore demonstration activities are targeted to begin in 2028, where the technology will face real-world FPSO operational conditions. This phased approach reduces deployment risks while building confidence in the system’s reliability and performance metrics.

Reimagining FPSO Power Systems and Environmental Impact

The ultimate vision extends beyond a single upgraded unit. The partners aim to create a modular, multi-megawatt power generation platform capable of meeting the complete power requirements of modern floating production vessels while maintaining complete carbon neutrality. By harnessing associated natural gas produced during standard FPSO operations, the system transforms what is typically a waste stream into valuable clean energy. Such innovation simultaneously enhances operational economics and environmental stewardship—a powerful combination reshaping offshore energy industry standards.

MODEC’s shares reflected market enthusiasm for this development, appreciating 2.04% to JPY 14,255 on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, signaling investor confidence in the company’s strategic direction and technological leadership in the evolving offshore energy landscape.