Eld Energy Signs Joint Development Agreement with MODEC to advance an Integrated 120 kW SOFC System with CO2 Capture for future Zero Emission FPSOs
- ivar228
- Jan 27
- 2 min read
Norwegian fuel cell technology company Eld Energy and Japanese offshore oil & gas production leader MODEC have signed a landmark agreement to develop a 120kW solid oxide fuel cell system with integrated carbon capture for floating offshore oil and gas platforms. The technology promises to revolutionize power generation across the maritime and offshore sectors, offering a scalable pathway to drastically reduce emissions from floating production facilities
Tokyo, Japan – 26.01.2026 Eld Energy AS (“Eld Energy”) today announced the signing of an agreement with MODEC, Inc. (“MODEC”) to jointly develop an integrated 120 kW solid oxide fuel cell (“SOFC”) and CO₂ capture system designed for FPSOs (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading systems). The joint development agreement covers prototype design and manufacturing of a low carbon offshore power solution, with onshore operational testing planned by 2027 and offshore demonstration commencing from 2028 onward.
Eld Energy and MODEC have advanced the joint design and manufacturing of a pilot scale 40kW SOFC offshore power system since 2025, utilizing associated natural gas produced in FPSO production, building on the intrinsic advantages of SOFCs—higher efficiency and lower emissions than conventional offshore power sources such as gas turbine generators (GTGs).
The newly signed agreement scales the SOFC output from 40 kW to 120 kW, marking an important step toward phased deployment on FPSOs. In addition, the SOFC will integrate a CO₂ capture and fuel recovery unit optimized for SOFC exhaust to reduce the carbon intensity of FPSO power generation. These initiatives are expected to steadily enhance both the environmental performance and operational value of FPSOs.
For Eld Energy, this represents a critical breakthrough in the commercialization of the technology. The 120 kW module is the first iteration of Eld's future product platform and a vital demonstration of the scalability of the technology. By integrating carbon capture directly into the fuel cell system, we are demonstrating how SOFC technology can not only reduce emissions but actively capture CO₂ from offshore power generation. This opens a transformative opportunity for the global offshore industry - a pathway to zero emission that combines higher energy efficiency with active carbon management.
The contract was signed at the Norwegian Embassy in Tokyo. From the left: Kristin Iglum, Ambassador of Norway to Japan, Hans Fredrik Lindøen-Kjellnes, CEO Eld Energy, Hirohiko Miyata, President and CEO of MODEC, and Koichi Matsumiya, CTO of MODEC
About Eld Energy
Eld Energy is a Norwegian firm that specializes in design and delivery of fuel cell systems for offshore applications. The company has assembled a team of Europe's foremost experts in the design and industrialization of maritime fuel cells with the aim to decarbonize offshore installations and deep-sea shipping.
For further information: https://www.eldenergy.com
About MODEC
MODEC is a leading provider of floating production solutions such as Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels to the offshore oil & gas industry. MODEC performs Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) activities for FPSOs, and further by owning and operating its own FPSOs, it provides oil companies around the world with comprehensive and competitive solutions for oil & gas production services.
For further information: https://www.modec.com
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