The International Day of Clean Energy is an official United Nations observance, celebrated every year on 26 January, to raise awareness of the vital role that clean and sustainable energy plays in achieving climate neutrality, supporting economic development, and advancing the global energy transition. Established by the United Nations General Assembly, this international day highlights the need to accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels in line with global climate and sustainability goals. More information is available at https://www.un.org/en/observances/clean-energy-day.
In this context, the MARPOWER project contributes to the objectives of the International Day of Clean Energy by addressing one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonise: maritime transport.
Advancing clean energy solutions for maritime transport
Despite its essential role in global trade, maritime transport remains highly dependent on fossil fuels, leading to significant greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Delivering clean energy solutions for ships is therefore critical to meeting international climate targets and supporting the United Nations’ broader sustainability agenda.
MARPOWER addresses this challenge by developing an advanced and highly efficient maritime power generation system designed for onboard applications. The project is based on an innovative two-shaft gas turbine combined with waste heat recovery, optimised for the specific operational requirements of maritime transport.
A key feature of the MARPOWER system is its fuel flexibility. The technology is designed to operate with a wide range of sustainable alternative fuels, including green methane, green methanol, hydrogen and ammonia. This approach supports a realistic and gradual transition towards clean energy use at sea, while accommodating different fuel pathways as global energy infrastructures evolve.
High efficiency is central to the MARPOWER concept. By significantly improving electrical efficiency and overall system performance, the technology reduces fuel consumption and associated emissions, maximising the environmental benefits of clean fuels. This focus on efficiency reflects one of the core messages of the International Day of Clean Energy: clean energy must go hand in hand with smarter and more efficient energy use.
Beyond technology development, MARPOWER also contributes to the wider clean energy ecosystem by supporting system resilience, adaptability and fuel diversity. In parallel, the project generates validated technical data, simulations and case studies that can inform future policy and regulatory frameworks, helping decision-makers accelerate the deployment of clean energy solutions in maritime transport.
The MARPOWER project brings together a diverse European consortium, including LUT University, Aurelia Technologies, Alfa Laval, Politecnico di Milano, Rina Consulting, Rina Services, the University of Vigo, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Zabala Innovation. Combining expertise in ship design, energy systems, digital modelling and sustainability, the consortium aims to deliver high-performance solutions that support the maritime sector’s transition towards clean energy and a low-carbon future.