MODEC and Eld Energy to Install Offshore Fuel Cell Pilot

The 40kw SOFC System will be installed on an FPSO in 2026. Photo credit:  MODEC, Inc.

Eld Energy and MODEC Advance to Phase 2: Installation of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) onboard a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO)

Tokyo, Japan / Bergen, Norway – 16.07.2025 - Eld Energy AS, a Norwegian fuel cell system company, is proud to announce the commencement of Phase 2 of its collaboration with MODEC. Building on the successful completion of the initial feasibility and design phase, this next milestone will see the manufacturing and installation of a 40-kW solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system aboard one of MODEC’s floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels operating offshore.

The unit, to be manufactured by Eld Energy at its facility in Bergen, Norway, is scheduled for installation in 2026. This deployment marks a significant step toward demonstrating the viability of solid oxide fuel cells in offshore energy environments - offering a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional power sources.

This phase follows the successful feasibility study, where the two companies collaborated on system design and integration studies. As part of the study, a successful laboratory test was conducted using simulated produced gas, including heavier hydrocarbons — a critical milestone that enabled the progression to Phase 2

"We’re excited to deepen our partnership with MODEC and move one step closer to showcasing solid oxide technology at sea," said Hans Fredrik Lindøen-Kjellnes CEO of Eld Energy. "Phase 2 is not just a technical milestone — it’s a statement of confidence in the role SOFCs can play in the decarbonization of offshore operations."

“We are thrilled to take this step-ahead with Eld Energy in the innovation of SOFC as an alternative power generation system”, said Koichi Matsumiya, CTO of MODEC. “Although we foresee technical hurdles to overcome in this R&D journey, we are committed to pioneering into it with strong will to provide solutions that deliver stable energy in low GHG emissions.

Eld Energy’s solution offers high-efficiency power generation with low emissions, aligning with the maritime and energy sectors' drive toward more sustainable operations. By integrating advanced SOFC systems into existing offshore infrastructure, the companies aim to reduce environmental impact while maintaining operational reliability. The project represents the first real-world implementation of SOFC technology on an FPSO.

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. 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 more information, please visit https://www.modec.com/