MODEC and Eld Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a 1.2 MW energy system based on solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) integrated with carbon capture, a technology that could accelerate the arrival of zero-emission floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) platforms.
The initiative represents a new step in both companies’ strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of offshore operations through high-efficiency energy solutions tailored to the sector’s demands.
A New Phase for FPSO Decarbonization
Under the terms of the agreement, Eld Energy will lead the design, procurement, and construction of the power generation system based on SOFC technology. The company will also be responsible for the testing and validation processes necessary for its implementation.
For its part, MODEC will develop the carbon capture facility and the complete integration of the system within future FPSO units.
Additionally, the companies plan to conduct onshore testing of the 1.2 MW unit during 2029. Subsequently, the project will advance to a long-term demonstration phase to validate its performance under operational conditions.
SOFC System and Carbon Capture to Reduce Emissions
Solid oxide fuel cells directly convert chemical energy into electricity through a high-temperature electrochemical process. This technology stands out for its high energy efficiency and its ability to operate with different types of fuel.
When combined with carbon capture systems, power generation through SOFC can significantly reduce emissions associated with offshore operations.
Likewise, this integration enables maintaining the operational continuity of floating platforms while advancing the transition toward energy models with lower carbon emissions.
A Collaboration Scaling Toward Commercial Applications
The technological relationship between MODEC and Eld Energy began in 2025 with projects focused on SOFC systems for marine applications.
Since then, both companies have progressively expanded the capacity of their developments, moving from 40 kW units to 120 kW systems along with pilot carbon capture initiatives.
Now, the new project seeks to demonstrate that these technologies can scale toward higher-capacity energy solutions suitable for commercial FPSO platforms.
The Energy Challenge of Offshore Operations
The offshore industry faces increasing pressure to reduce emissions without affecting the reliability of production systems.
In this context, the combination of high-efficiency power generation and carbon capture emerges as one of the most promising alternatives to achieve deep decarbonization objectives in floating installations.
With this new development phase, MODEC and Eld Energy aspire to validate an energy architecture capable of contributing to the future of zero-emission FPSO and the sustainable evolution of offshore production.
Source and photo: MODEC
