MODEC and Eld Energy Partner on Carbon Dioxide Capture Fuel Cell System for Offshore Energy

MODEC Inc., a leading provider and operator of offshore floating production systems, has recently partnered with Norway-based Eld Energy AS to develop an advanced integrated fuel cell technology designed to address carbon dioxide emissions in offshore operations. This collaboration represents a significant step in decarbonizing maritime energy production, combining solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology with carbon dioxide capture capabilities to create a comprehensive zero-emission power solution for floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels.

Technology Evolution: From 40 to 120 Kilowatts

The joint development agreement centers on scaling SOFC power output from an existing 40-kilowatt pilot system to a full 120-kilowatt capacity. This expansion is critical for meeting the complete power demands of next-generation FPSO platforms while maintaining ultra-low carbon dioxide intensity. The system incorporates a specialized carbon dioxide capture and fuel recovery unit optimized for SOFC exhaust streams, creating a closed-loop efficiency model. Since 2025, the two companies have been advancing the pilot-scale 40-kilowatt design using associated natural gas sourced from ongoing FPSO operations, demonstrating the practical viability of the approach before scaling to commercial deployment.

Offshore Timeline and Commercial Pathway

The development roadmap targets onshore operational testing by 2027, followed by offshore demonstration deployment beginning in 2028. This phased approach validates the carbon dioxide capture integration under real maritime conditions before full commercialization. The ultimate goal is to deliver a modular, multi-megawatt power platform capable of supplying complete FPSO electrical requirements with zero carbon intensity, fundamentally transforming how offshore energy facilities manage both their environmental footprint and operational economics. By combining renewable-capable SOFC architecture with integrated carbon dioxide removal, the system positions participating operators for compliance with emerging maritime environmental regulations while improving long-term cost efficiency.

Market Response and Future Outlook

MODEC’s stock reflected positive market sentiment following the announcement, trading 2.04% higher at JPY 14,255 on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The partnership underscores growing industry demand for scalable carbon dioxide reduction technologies in offshore energy. As global maritime operators face tightening environmental standards, integrated solutions like MODEC and Eld Energy’s SOFC platform represent the technological frontier for sustainable offshore production.