ABS has issued a New Technology Qualification (NTQ) certificate for the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) power system developed by MODEC and Eld Energy. This system is specifically designed for use in Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units.
Technology Details and Efficiency
The Eld power module, which has passed the technology qualification and NTQ concept approval stages, is a high-efficiency SOFC designed to operate with associated gases produced in FPSOs and alternative fuels. The goal of MODEC and Eld Energy is to achieve electrical efficiency of up to 70 percent through fuel recovery and carbon management integration. This system is also designed to connect with carbon capture equipment, allowing this technology to mature.
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Marine Testing and Next Steps
MODEC plans to conduct a 40-kilowatt installation and marine testing on an FPSO, where this system will be tested under real marine and production conditions. A successful marine test will aid the program's advancement towards ABS prototype approval. The results of the 40-kilowatt campaign will directly lead to the next stages, including a 120-kilowatt module and subsequently, a full-scale multi-megawatt SOFC system.
Koichi Matsumiya, Technical and Technology Director of MODEC, stated, "MODEC is seeking to balance the seemingly conflicting challenges of global environmental protection and ensuring sustainable energy supply through innovative ideas using floating marine facilities. Together with Eld, we are advancing the development of an innovative, compact, and low-carbon power system that, through the high efficiency of SOFC fuel and its strong compatibility with carbon capture, contributes to expanding electricity supply solutions for marine production facilities."
Hans Frederik Lindon-Kilns, CEO of Eld Energy, also said, "This achievement demonstrates that our innovative marine power generation concept can comply with the industry's stringent safety standards. Early collaboration with class has been very beneficial in advancing this product. This is an important step towards carbon reduction in marine operations."
The NTQ process goes through defined stages, from initial feasibility to prototype approval and system integration, with each stage providing a statement of maturity for project stakeholders, customers, and the production supply chain.
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