MODEC and Eld Energy Advance SOFC Power System for FPSOs with ABS Qualification

ABS has granted New Technology Qualification (NTQ) approval to MODEC and Eld Energy for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power system being developed for floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels.

The Eld Power Module has completed the Technology Feasibility and Concept Verification stages of ABS’ NTQ process, marking progress towards prototype testing and an offshore trial.

The SOFC system is designed to operate using associated gas produced onboard FPSOs, as well as alternative fuels. MODEC and Eld Energy are targeting electrical efficiency of up to 70% through the integration of fuel recovery and carbon management technologies.

The system has also been designed to connect with carbon capture equipment as the technology develops.

40-kW FPSO Trial Planned

MODEC plans to install a 40-kW Eld Power Module for a pilot and offshore trial on an FPSO. The system will be evaluated under operating conditions representative of marine and offshore production environments.

The results from the 40-kW trial are expected to support the next stages of development, including a 120-kW module and, subsequently, a multi-megawatt SOFC system for full-scale offshore applications.

A successful offshore trial would allow the programme to progress to ABS Prototype Validation under the NTQ framework.

Matthew Tremblay, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Offshore Markets, said: “Fuel cell technology has real potential to change the emissions profile of FPSO power generation. The ABS NTQ process gives MODEC and Eld Energy a structured way to demonstrate that the technology performs as claimed and that the risks are understood and managed. These steps are key to moving new technologies closer to routine offshore use.”

SOFC System Designed for Offshore Power Generation

The Eld Power Module uses SOFC technology to generate electricity from fuel. Its development for FPSO applications is focused on using associated gas produced during offshore oil and gas operations, while retaining compatibility with alternative fuels.

MODEC and Eld Energy are also incorporating fuel recovery and carbon management into the system architecture. The companies said the design is intended to support integration with carbon capture systems as those technologies mature.

Koichi Matsumiya, Chief Technical/Technology Officer of MODEC, said: “MODEC aims to balance the seemingly conflicting challenges of protecting the global environment and ensuring a stable energy supply by innovative ideas using offshore floating facilities. We, together with ELD, are advancing the development of an innovative, compact, low-carbon power system by leveraging the high fuel efficiency of SOFC and their strong compatibility with carbon capture, aiming to expand the power supply solutions for offshore production facilities.”

Hans Fredrik Lindøen-Kjellnes, CEO of Eld Energy, said: “This milestone shows that our novel offshore power generation concept can meet the demanding safety standards of the industry. Early engagement with class has been very helpful in bringing the product forward. This marks a significant step toward decarbonization of offshore operations.”

ABS NTQ Process Supports Technology Development

ABS’ NTQ framework uses defined stages to assess new technologies, beginning with feasibility and progressing through concept verification, prototype validation and system integration.

Each stage results in a Statement of Maturity intended to provide project stakeholders, customers and supply-chain participants with information on the development status of the technology.

For the MODEC and Eld Energy project, completion of the Technology Feasibility and Concept Verification stages precedes the planned prototype-scale offshore testing.