Are Centrica Entering The Bunkering Market For Lowcarbon-Fuelled Ships?
I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this post and received this answer.
Yes, Centrica is actively entering the low-carbon shipping fuel market, specifically by strengthening its ability to supply bio-LNG (liquefied natural gas) for the shipping industry.
Key developments in 2026 indicate a strategic push into this sector:
Bio-LNG Expansion: Centrica Energy has strengthened its bio-LNG bunker fuel offering through ISCC certification.
Strategic Partnerships: Centrica is supporting Gasrec in the UK to supply bio-LNG and bio-CNG to fleets, and is investing in large-scale carbon storage at Morecambe Bay, which can serve shipping.
Decarbonisation Focus: This move aligns with Centrica’s target to become a net-zero business by 2040 and to support customer emission reductions.
This could be a nice little business.
Oman Set For Next Frontier In Energy Storage
The title of this post is the same as that of this article on the Times of Oman.
This first paragraph introduces the story.
Oman’s solar story is already being written. Manah, Ibri II, and the next wave of solar IPPs moving through procurement have placed the Sultanate firmly among the region’s renewable leaders. The next chapter, the one every solar-rich nation is racing to author, is about the long-duration energy storage technology that powers the grid after sunset. Lithium-ion batteries handle the first few hours effectively. What comes after is the harder problem, and it is increasingly being solved by a technology called Liquid Air Energy Storage, or LAES: a technology that aligns naturally with Oman’s industrial base.
The article then describes how the technology to handle LAES technology aligns with all their expertise in handling liquified natural gas.
This paragraph outlines Oman’s expertise in cryogenic engineering.
Oman’s natural advantage in this race deserves far more attention than it has received. Cryogenic engineering, the discipline of holding substances at extraordinarily low temperatures without losing them, is the most demanding part of any LAES plant. It is also the foundation of the LNG export business that has run out of Qalhat for a quarter of a century. The workforce that liquefies natural gas at minus 162 degrees Celsius is the same workforce that can liquefy air. The insulation expertise, the compressor specifications, and the maintenance discipline are all already here, refined over decades and built locally. Few nations possess this depth of capability as a domestic resource. Oman does.
If Oman have called this one right, then any nation with plentiful renewable resources, of solar, hydro, offshore wind or geothermal, should be looking at Liquid Air Energy Storage.
This is not the first time, that Liquid Air Energy Storage has been paired with LNG.
Highview Power are the UK pioneers of Liquid Air Energy Storage and on the Projects page of their web site, there is this section on Japan.
Our investment partner Sumitomo Heavy Industries (SHI), together with Hiroshima Gas, is developing a grid‑scale LAES demonstration plant in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima. The 5 MW, four‑hour facility will use waste cold from an adjacent LNG terminal to enhance efficiency and sustainability, showcasing the flexibility of Highview’s modular LAES technology. The plant is scheduled to be operational in 2025.
In Is Sumitomo Heavy Industries Highview Power Energy Storage System On Line At Hiroshima?, I describe how the Hiroshima plant held a completion ceremony on the 9th December, 2025.
Liquid Air Energy Storage and LNG may seem unlikely bedfellows, but when engineers share a few beers, joint projects seem to emerge.
Delta And Centrica Launch Scalable Off-Grid Fuel Cell Power Solution
The title of this post, is the same as that of this news item from Centrica.
The news item is accompanied by this picture.
So who is the happy oriental-looking guy sitting with the equally-happy Robert Booker, who is Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Centrica?
He is Charles Tsai, General Manager of Hydrogen Energy BD at Delta Electronics Inc.
Google AI produces this answer to “Who Are Delta Electronics Inc.”
Delta Electronics, Inc. is a Taiwan-based global leader in power and thermal management solutions, founded in 1971. Renowned as the world’s top provider of switching power supplies and DC brushless fans, they focus on energy-efficient, IoT-based smart solutions for industrial automation, EV charging, data centers, and renewable energy.
Core Business Areas
Power Electronics: A global leader in switching power supplies, thermal management, and components for cloud computing and electric vehicles (EVs).
Automation: Offers industrial and building automation systems to enhance manufacturing efficiency.
Infrastructure: Provides data center infrastructure, EV charging solutions, and telecom power systems.
Key Facts and Highlights
Market Position: Often cited as the world’s largest provider of computer power supplies, with significant market share in server power units.
Sustainability Focus: Dedicated to “innovative, clean and efficient energy solutions” with a strong ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) focus.
Global Presence: Operates manufacturing plants and R&D centers worldwide, including Taiwan, China, Thailand, Mexico, India, and Europe.
Financials: Publicly listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (code: 2308).
Delta Electronics serves industries looking for energy-efficient, AI-ready, and sustainable technology solutions.
Delta Electronics has had an R & D facility in East Kilbride in Scotland for nearly ten years.
This is the sub-heading of Centrica’s news item.
Centrica and Delta Electronics, Inc. today announced an infrastructure partnership to serve the data centre market and energy intensive industries in the UK and Europe, launching with Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) for off-grid energy generation.
These two paragraphs add more detail to the partnership.
This partnership creates a pathway for offering customers competitively priced, on-site power generation, significantly reducing exposure to wholesale electricity market volatility and grid capacity constraints. The partners plan to establish a demonstration site in the UK within the next 12 months, with a medium-term goal of delivering MW-scale, rapidly deployable ‘gas-to-power’ solutions within the next three to five years.
Delta’s SOFCs, licensed by British solid oxide technology leader Ceres, provide stable, low-carbon energy fuelled by natural gas and reach 60% electrical efficiency – significantly higher than the open-cycle gas turbines typically used for on-site and back up generation (35%-42%). These cells are designed to meet the growing power demands of data-intensive digital infrastructure in the UK and Europe which underpin economic growth, digital sovereignty and the energy transition.
This partnership appears to be a partnership of three world-leading companies doing what they do best, to efficiently satisfy the enormous power need for data centres and energy intensive industries.
- Centrica will make sure, that there is enough natural gas. They have a strong reputation for trading gas and source it from all over the world.
- Ceres will provide the Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs), that will efficiently convert this natural gas into electricity. Ceres’s SOFCs are fifty percent more efficient than open-cycle gas turbines, which is a large improvement.
- Delta Elctronics then work their high power electronic wizardry to supply the electricity.
Nothing is said about what happens to all the carbon dioxide. It will certainly be captured and will probably be of food grade, but this could be the next piece of the jigsaw that Centrica are putting together.
Ocasio-Cortez, Markey Ask Trump Admin To Explain Paying TotalEnergies USD 1 Billion ‘In Taxpayer Money’ To Drop Offshore Wind Projects
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
US lawmakers Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ed Markey have sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum on the plan by the Trump administration to pay nearly USD 1 billion to TotalEnergies to cancel offshore wind projects off the US East Coast, calling on the administration to stop the payment and explain the legal basis and funding source for the proposed transfer.
These four paragraphs add detail to the story.
As reported recently, the US government’s agreement with TotalEnergies concerns the company’s exit from offshore wind development in the country by relinquishing leases for projects off New York/New Jersey and North Carolina, for which the administration intends to pay approximately USD 928 million.
The agreement also stipulates that TotalEnergies would redirect that money to oil & gas projects in the US. The company, in a press release issued after signing the agreement with the government, indicated that it would invest proceeds from the payment into a liquefied natural gas export facility in Texas and other oil and gas activities in the US that will support both domestic supply and the demand in Europe.
As reported recently, the US government’s agreement with TotalEnergies concerns the company’s exit from offshore wind development in the country by relinquishing leases for projects off New York/New Jersey and North Carolina, for which the administration intends to pay approximately USD 928 million.
The agreement also stipulates that TotalEnergies would redirect that money to oil & gas projects in the US. The company, in a press release issued after signing the agreement with the government, indicated that it would invest proceeds from the payment into a liquefied natural gas export facility in Texas and other oil and gas activities in the US that will support both domestic supply and the demand in Europe.
Trump may have got what he wanted and stopped development of wind farms, but at what cost to US taxpayers?
Out of curiosity, I asked Google AI, “Which LNG Terminal In Texas Have TotalEnergies Agreed To Develop”, And Received This Answer.
TotalEnergies has agreed to develop and invest in the Rio Grande LNG (RGLNG) project located in South Texas.
Key details regarding TotalEnergies’ involvement include:
Partnership: In June 2023, TotalEnergies signed a framework agreement with NextDecade Corporation to participate in the development of the Rio Grande LNG project.
Ownership and Phase 1: TotalEnergies holds a 16.67% stake in the first phase of the project, which includes three liquefaction trains with an annual capacity of 17.5 million tons per annum (Mtpa).
Offtake Agreement: TotalEnergies has agreed to purchase 5.4 million tons per annum (Mtpa) of LNG from Phase 1 for 20 years.
Expansion (Train 4): As of September 2025, TotalEnergies has reached a Final Investment Decision (FID) for a 10% stake in the joint venture developing Train 4 of the Rio Grande LNG facility.
NextDecade Stake: TotalEnergies also acquired a 17.5% stake in NextDecade Corporation, the developer of the project.
The Rio Grande LNG project is located in Brownsville, Texas, and is expected to contribute to TotalEnergies’ goal of expanding its U.S. LNG export capacity to 15 million tons annually by 2030.
I shall be watching this project. Especially, as several new techniques have come forward in the last few months.
Centrica Partners With Ceres Power On Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
The title of this post, is the same as this article on gasworld.
This is the sub-heading.
UK multinational energy and services company Centrica is partnering with clean tech firm Ceres Power to accelerate solid oxide fuel cells [SOFCs] production to meet forecasted ‘multi-gigawatt’ demand from industrial customers across Europe.
These three paragraphs indicate the market opportunity, that Centrica feel, that the partnership will fill.
With electricity grid connection delays impacting new industrial, commercial and digital projects, the UK and Europe are experiencing a widening gap between demand and available capacity.
Centrica aims to offer customers high‑efficiency, low‑carbon, grid independent on‑site power that can be deployed much faster than gas turbines or nuclear.
Group Chief Executive Chris O’Shea said by collaborating with Ceres’ technology it sees an opportunity to support data centres, AI and industry with cleaner power at scale. Ceres claims SOFCs can be manufactured and delivered on site to get power online “in months not years”.
It certainly sounds feasible to drop in an appropriate-sized stack of fuel cells and connect them up to the gas main.
These two paragraphs, indicate how Ceres will support Centrica.
Initially, Ceres will support Centrica in expanding a new differentiated service-led model for clean power, providing access to British technology through its expanding network of global manufacturing partners.
Ceres will assist Centrica with opportunities across project origination, installation and commissioning, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance and end of life recycling.
I have a few questions for Google AI.
Do Ceres Fuel Cells Emit Carbon Dioxide?
Google AI replied this.
Yes, Ceres Power has developed Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology, known as the SteelCell®, that works on natural gas. This technology is specifically designed to be fuel-flexible, capable of converting grid natural gas into electricity at high efficiency.
Key Details About Ceres Fuel Cells and Natural Gas:
Technology Capability: The Ceres SteelCell runs on natural gas, as well as future-focused fuels like hydrogen and biogas.
Application: These fuel cells are used for distributed power generation in homes, businesses, and industrial settings (such as AI data centres).
Efficiency: When running on natural gas, the SOFC systems can achieve an electrical efficiency of around 62%, with total efficiency exceeding 90% when combined with heat recovery.
Emission Reductions: Compared to conventional combustion engines, the technology offers a 30% reduction in carbon emissions.
Current Strategy: As of early 2026, Ceres is focusing on natural gas-fueled SOFCs for stationary power markets, particularly in collaboration with partners like Centrica to address power shortages in the UK and Europe.
While the systems can be used for hydrogen in the long term, they are currently fully functional with natural gas, making them a “bridge” technology for decarbonisation.
A 30% reduction is surely worthwhile!
In What Size Are Ceres Power Holdings Fuel Cells Manufactured?
Google AI replied this.
Ceres Power Holdings’ solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology is manufactured in modular, scalable sizes, with individual stacks ranging from 10-50 kW and commonly deployed in 1-5 MW power modules. These stacks are produced at manufacturing facilities with capacities like 50MW (e.g., with partner Doosan), with plans for up to 100MW annual capacity.
Key manufacturing and size details include:
Cell Component: 30–150W.
Stack: 10–50 kW.
Stack Array/Module: 100–500 kW, up to 1-5 MW modules.
Manufacturing Capacity: 50MW production facility in South Korea (Doosan), with plans for 100MW+ annual capacity in future plants.
Applications: Primarily stationary, distributed power systems for AI data centres, industrial decarbonisation, and commercial buildings.
Ceres licenses its technology to partners like Bosch and Doosan, with cell technology based on low-cost printed steel substrate
How Much Power Does A Top Of The Range MRi Scanner Use?
I am asking this question, as it is surely something you might power with a Ceres fuel cell powered by natural gas.
Google AI replied this.
A top-of-the-range MRI scanner (such as a 3-Tesla or 7-Tesla system) is highly energy-intensive, consuming substantial power 24/7 to maintain its superconducting magnet. During active scanning, power usage often ranges from 25 kW up to 80 kW or more.
Here is a breakdown of the power consumption for high-end MRI scanners:
Power Consumption Breakdown
Idle/Stand-by Mode (24/7): The machine constantly consumes roughly 6 to 7 kW for background cooling (liquid helium refrigeration).
Standard Scanning: Productive scanning sessions typically demand around 25 kW.
High-Demand Scanning: Demanding examinations (e.g., head examinations with EPI sequences or special angles) can cause power usage to surge to 70 kW to 80 kW.
System Total: A 3T MRI, including cooling systems (chillers) and peripheral electronics, might require a 3-phase, 480V, 200A supply—roughly equivalent to the capacity of six modern houses.
Conclusion
This seems to be a deal with a large number of possibilities.
Speaking from my past experience of banks and financing, where the bill is ultimately paid by a reputable individual or company like Shell or BP, I believe that Centrica will have no difficulty in financing lots of these systemsusing instiutions like Lloyds or Deutsche Bank.
Centrica Energy And Whitecap Enter Long-Term Natural Gas Supply Agreement
The title of this post, is the same as that of this news item from Centrica.
This is the sub-heading.
Centrica Energy is pleased to announce signing of a long-term natural gas purchase agreement with Whitecap Resources Inc., a leading Canadian producer dedicated to the responsible development of oil and gas resources across the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin.
These first three paragraphs add more detail to the story.
Starting in April 2028, Whitecap will deliver 50,000 MMBtu of natural gas per day to Centrica Energy for a period of ten years – equivalent to roughly five LNG cargoes each year. The supply will be priced against the Title Transfer Facility (TTF), the benchmark for European gas markets.
This agreement advances Centrica’s strategy of managing market price exposure across its LNG portfolio by linking feed gas costs to European price signals. For Whitecap, the agreement provides access to international LNG-linked pricing, supporting the company’s natural gas price diversification strategy.
“Entering into this innovative agreement with Whitecap underlines our focus on building a balanced LNG portfolio through strategic partnerships across the globe allowing us to deliver reliable energy solutions to global markets” said Chris O’Shea, Group Chief Executive at Centrica.
I have some thoughts.
This Is The Seventh Deal Of This Type By Centrica In A Few Months
Note.
- All are marked with a tag of Natural Gas Trading.
- None of the deals appear to be in the Middle East.
- All appear to be fairly long term deals, with three stretching until 2037.
Hopefully, with luck we’ll have enough gas for the next few years.
Grain LNG Terminal Is Very Flexible
Consider.
- It is Europe’s largest LNG Terminal
- It can import, export and store gas.
- It has plenty of space for expansion, which could include new technologies.
- Centrica have said bunkering facilities will be added, which will be able to handle the latest low-carbon fuels.
I can certainly see, why Centrica acquired the terminal.
Centrica Energy And Seneca Resources Company Sign First-of-Its-Kind Long-Term MiQ Methane Emissions Certificates Agreement
The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from Centrica.
This is the sub-heading.
Centrica Energy and Seneca Resources Company are proud to announce a groundbreaking agreement, marking the first long-term deal of its kind to support independently verified methane emissions from an MiQ-certified US natural gas producer, helping to underpin reductions over time. This ten-year agreement underscores the commitment of Centrica and Seneca to support global efforts to reduce methane emissions.
This first paragraph added more detail.
Centrica Energy sources and delivers gas and LNG globally, including LNG shipped from the US to international markets. Under the terms of the agreement, Centrica will procure 250,000 MMBtu per day of MiQ-certified gas certificates over the next ten years, a strategic move that positions Centrica at the forefront of methane reduction initiatives, aligns with emerging regulatory requirements, and reinforces leadership in sustainable energy practices.
MiQ is new to me, so here is what the press release says about MiQ.
MiQ is a global leader in methane emissions certification and data. Our mission is to accelerate the transition to lower emissions gas by providing a credible and transparent certification system that drives regulatory compliance, incentivizes continuous improvement, and ensures methane accountability in the oil and gas sector throughout the entire supply chain.
It appears to me that MiQ-certified low-emissions gas is almost like an equivalent of FairTrade coffee.
If the UK buys its gas as MiQ-certified low-emissions gas, it could claim, that it has cut its gas emissions.
Google AI On Low-Emission Natural Gas
I asked its view and received this answer.
Low-emission natural gas refers to methane-based energy with significantly reduced greenhouse gas, methane leakage, and particulate emissions, often achieved through enhanced extraction, certification, or blending with cleaner gases. It offers up to 40% less (CO2) than coal and 20-30% less than oil, serving as a critical transition fuel to support renewable energy.
low-emission natural gas would seem to be a sensible way to go.
Is Carbon Black Used To Make Offshore Electrical Cable?
I asked Google AI, the answer to this question and received this answer.
Yes, carbon black is extensively used to make offshore electrical cables. It serves two primary functions: providing electrical conductivity to specific components and offering UV protection to outer jacketing materials.
That seems a positive answer.
It also could be a very complementary one.
HiiROC have a process that splits any hydrocarbon gas including natural gas, chemical plant off gas and biomethane, into turquoise hydrogen and carbon black.
Two methods of bringing energy to the shore from an offshore wind farm are electricity and hydrogen, through a cable or pipe respectively.
This looks to me, that there could be a possibility to use one of Baldrick’s cunning hybrid plans to bring energy onshore using both hydrogen and electricity.
Effectively, the transmission and use of the system, would use both the hydrogen and carbon black produced by HiiROC.
Better Than A Kick In The Teeth – As C Would Say!
I’ve just had an e-mail from OVO Energy, who have been my energy supplier for at least eight years, that they are going to reduce my Direct Debit by £26 per month.
OVO didn’t give a reason, but then it dawned on me.
In I’m Getting A New Hydrogen-Ready Boiler, I laid out my reasoning for getting a new boiler, as the pump had failed.
It’s only been one billing period, but I suspect other factors have kicked in.
I asked Google AI, if the the efficiency of gas boilers increased in the last ten years, and received this reply.
Yes, gas boiler efficiency has significantly increased in the last ten years, with new models achieving efficiencies over \(90\%\) compared to older ones that could be as low as \(60\%\). This is primarily due to the mandatory use of condensing technology in new boilers, which recovers and reuses heat from exhaust gases to preheat water.
As far as we know, Google are not in the gas boiler business, so I’m sure their answer is unbiased.
It looks like I shall be saving £312 per year, because of the new boiler.
Thus, if it lasts ten years, which is the guarantee period, then it has paid a substantial part of the cost of the new boiler.
As my late wife, C, would often say, that is better than a kick in the teeth.
Should You Get A New Boiler?
I am not qualified to answer that, but I’m you know a man or woman who is!
The Anonymous Widower 