MODEC lays the groundwork for zero carbon FPSOs with partnership set on low-carbon offshore power solution

January 27, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic

Japan’s MODEC has joined forces with Eld Energy, a Norwegian fuel cell system company, to pursue a scalable multi-MW power system for floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) units to enable them to fully run on zero-carbon power.

Illustration of FPSO with full scale (100 MW) SOFC installation with integrated carbon capture; Source: MODEC — Illustration of FPSO with full-scale (100 MW) SOFC installation with integrated carbon capture; Source: MODEC

The duo’s agreement to jointly develop an integrated 120 kW solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and CO2 capture system (patent pending) for FPSOs covers prototype design and manufacturing for a low-carbon offshore power solution.

MODEC and Eld Energy have advanced the joint design and manufacturing of a pilot-scale 40 kW SOFC offshore power system since 2025, utilizing associated natural gas produced in FPSO production. The newly signed deal scales the SOFC output from 40 kW to 120 kW.

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This is perceived to mark an important step toward phased deployment on FPSOs, building on what is seen as the intrinsic advantages of SOFCs: higher efficiency and lower emissions than conventional offshore power sources, such as gas turbine generators (GTGs).

The SOFC will now also integrate a CO2 capture and fuel recovery unit optimized for SOFC exhaust. The companies’ partnership aims to deliver a scalable multi-MW power system capable of meeting the full power demand of FPSOs with zero carbon intensity.

Signing Ceremony at Norwegian Embassy in Japan (Left to Right): Kristin Iglum, Ambassador of Norway to Japan; Hans Fredrik Lindøen-Kjellnes, CEO, Eld Energy; Hirohiko Miyata, President and CEO, MODEC Group; Koichi Matsumiya, Chief Technical/Technology Officer, MODEC Group; Source: MODEC

MODEC explains that these initiatives are expected to steadily enhance both the environmental performance and operational value of FPSOs. While the onshore operational testing is planned by 2027, the offshore demonstration is targeted begin from 2028 onward.

The Japanese player intends to continue to contribute to society by supporting a stable energy supply and reducing CO2 emissions on FPSOs, in response to growing energy demand and the imperative of a sustainable future.

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MODEC has been a busy bee over the past few months. The firm set the wheels in motion for a strategic merger of its wholly owned companies, MODEC America and SOFEC, last year to breathe life into an integrated mooring solutions business unit to augment its global offering.