From Combustion to Clean Offshore Power
ELD Energy and MODEC Drive Offshore Decarbonization with SOFC
Decarbonizing large-scale offshore power generation is a demanding challenge. Today’s floating production vessels typically rely on 100 MW-scale gas-fueled power systems. Reducing emissions in this environment requires robust, modular solutions that can operate reliably at sea, integrate with existing systems, and scale from pilot to full deployment.
In a new collaboration between Norwegian system integrator ELD Energy and MODEC in Japan – a global leader in floating offshore energy solutions – the partners are joining forces to develop a modular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system capable of delivering low-carbon power offshore.
The project is structured in defined phases, from feasibility studies to pilot installations and ultimately a megawatt-scale demonstrator onboard a vessel. Each phase is designed to build technical confidence and validate performance under real operating conditions.
Developing the Thermal Processing Unit
A critical component of the SOFC system is the thermal processing unit (TPU). Catator was selected to develop and deliver this unit based on its proprietary CataRex® technology platform and decades of experience in catalytic reactor systems, reformers, and coated catalysts.
The initial step, the basic design of the TPU for a 40 kWe SOFC system – has already been completed. As the project progresses, Catator is now responsible for detailed design and manufacturing of a TPU prototype. The unit integrates catalytic processing and heat exchange to ensure efficient fuel conversion and stable operation within the SOFC system.
Validated Performance for the Next Phase
The prototype will undergo comprehensive validation, including leak tightness testing, pressure drop verification, catalytic performance evaluation, and heat exchanger effectiveness measurements. It will also be ignited and operated according to international fuel cell standards. The results will provide documented performance data and a validated foundation for the next phase.
Although the first system is modest in scale, it represents a significant step toward large-scale offshore decarbonization. By translating long-standing combustion expertise into advanced fuel processing for fuel cells, Catator contributes to enabling cleaner, more efficient power generation at sea –and lays the groundwork for future megawatt-scale deployment.