MODEC, a Japanese company, and Eld Energy, a Norwegian fuel systems company, have achieved a key milestone in the new technology qualification (NTQ) process by completing the technology validation phase by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). This success aids the advancement of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems, enabling their use in floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) units, providing a pathway for low-carbon and high-efficiency energy production at sea.
Details of the Technology Achievement
MODEC and Eld Energy confirmed the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of this technology in a real-world marine application by completing the technology validation phase and reviewing concepts for SOFC energy systems on FPSOs. This achievement is considered a fundamental step in the NTQ process and contributes to environmental protection goals and sustainable energy supply.
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Koichi Matsumiya, Head of Technology at MODEC, stated, "MODEC aims to balance environmental challenges with sustainable energy supply through innovative ideas using floating facilities at sea." He also emphasized the importance of collaboration with Eld Energy in developing low-carbon energy systems.
Future Developments
The Eld power module, with a capacity of 40 kilowatts, developed by Eld Energy, is designed as a high-efficiency SOFC system that can utilize gas produced by FPSOs and other low-carbon fuels. MODEC intends to integrate this advanced technology into an active FPSO and monitor the system's performance using real gas produced under actual marine conditions.
Mat Tremblay, Senior Vice President of Global Markets at ABS, said, "SOFC technology has real potential to change the greenhouse gas emission profile in FPSO energy production. The NTQ process provides MODEC and Eld Energy with a structured way to demonstrate technology claims and understand and manage risks before going to sea."
The results from pilot tests at sea will assist in subsequent phases, including scaling up to a 120-kilowatt module and preparing for seamless integration with carbon capture systems, ultimately moving towards a multi-megawatt solution.
According to the company, key risk assessments, including HAZID, HAZOP, and FMEA, along with an independent review by ABS, were conducted prior to the pilot tests at sea. The SOFC-based energy production system is designed to utilize gas produced in FPSOs and hydrogen-rich gas recovered from an integrated carbon capture system, with an expected overall energy system efficiency of around 70 percent.
Hans Fredrik Lindvan-Kjellen, CEO of Eld Energy, said, "This achievement demonstrates that our new concept for energy production at sea can meet the industry's stringent safety standards. Early collaboration with the Class community has been very beneficial in advancing the product, and this is an important step towards reducing carbon in marine operations."
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