Wison New Energies takes steps into next-generation all-electric FLNG

Wison New Energies envisions a medium-term future where carbon-neutral floaters become a reality. Continuing the path introduced at Gastech 2024 — where a new generation FLNG designed to reduce emissions to the 0.2 t CO₂e/t LNG benchmark was unveiled — this year Wison pushes boundaries even further with an all-electric FLNG design.

This all-electric FLNG design features a single-train Dual Mixed Refrigerant (DMR) liquefaction system targeting a 3.6 MTPA capacity, powered by motor-driven Mixed Refrigerant Compressors (MRC). It builds upon the emission reduction designs of Wison Generation 2 FLNG. The newly added all-electric design represents a fundamental shift in offshore liquefaction technology, leveraging large-scale combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power generation to electrify all major processes, including large MRC traditionally driven by gas turbines on floaters.

Fully recognising that any new solution must be based on the premise of high reliability and controllable project risks, Wison aims to qualify all the equipment and technologies selected for the all-electric Generation 2 FLNG to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 at a minimum — meaning qualified for a FEED. By ensuring that new technologies are introduced following a strict TRL assessment process, it is ensured that these emission reductions can be achieved without a significant increase in project risk.

Among the new equipment and technologies, the critical one is the deployment of large motor-driven MRC skids on FLNG units, which presents multiple engineering challenges. The major challenges are the qualification of the MRC driver, i.e. the large e-drive system including the 70 MW motor and the variable frequency drive (VFD), as well as the qualification of a new equipment line up for a single train DMR required to produce 3.6 MTPA LNG.

Based on the studies and verifications performed jointly with technology partners and critical equipment manufacturers, Wison is now confident that a DMR-based solution using large e-drive systems in the range of 70 MW per unit is sufficiently mature (TRL3) to be proposed into a FEED for a client. By implementing the technologies in a FLNG project, Wison is offering up to a 35% reduction in CO₂ equivalent emissions, compared to the base Generation 1 FLNG design.

Incorporating all-electric design into FLNG opens a clear pathway to further decarbonisation. It allows central power generation in a highly efficient CCGT system and enables the option to use external low-carbon power sources in the future. Furthermore, the e-drive configuration enables planned maintenance on the spare gas turbine in the centralised power plant, resulting in a higher life cycle plant availability.

To realise the achievement, collaboration with technology partners and suppliers is crucial. Through these collaborations, Wison establishes the technical foundation for a new class of high-efficiency, low-emission FLNG solutions that can achieve under 0.2 t CO₂e/t LNG production. The all-electric FLNG design demonstrates how electrification can transform offshore gas processing while maintaining the operational and safety standards set by the Generation 1 designs.

Wison continues to recognise that the industry faces growing challenges from a financing community increasingly conscious of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, along with mounting stakeholder expectations. In response, Wison actively advocates the provision of high-quality low-emission options to clients and project developers — solutions that not only reduce emissions significantly but also maintain the economic viability of projects supported by solid lifecycle cost analysis.

The Generation 2 all-electric design demonstrates Wison's commitment to environmental stewardship while maintaining operational efficiency. Moreover, Wison New Energies is continuing to evaluate further possibilities to reduce emissions for the forthcoming FLNG generations to be rolled out before 2030, which may include an offshore CCS unit and green power import. This coming Generation has the goal to achieve emissions below 0.1 t CO₂e/t LNG.