Finnish clean energy giant Fortum announced plans to build a pilot plant for hydrogen production in Loviisa, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable future. The Kalla test center, located near Fortum’s existing Loviisa nuclear power plant, will begin construction this summer and is slated for commissioning in late 2025.

Source: ClimateSamurai

The plant will utilize a 2-megawatt electrolyzer system, powered by clean electricity from the main grid and local household water, to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. This green hydrogen will be stored and distributed to industrial customers via a dedicated filling station constructed alongside the plant.

The Kalla test center offers a unique opportunity to explore hydrogen production on a megawatt scale. The data collected will inform not only the design and operation of future plants but also the vast business potential associated with green hydrogen and its derivatives.

Satu Sipola, Fortum’s vice president of Power-to-X

Fortum is funding the Kalla test center entirely through its research and development budget, with most of the design work being handled by in-house teams. The pilot project represents a €17 million investment and is expected to operate for approximately two years, providing valuable insights for future large-scale hydrogen production facilities.

This is the first step towards potential future projects and investments. Fortum is actively involved in additional hydrogen-related studies alongside various industrial partners, underscoring our commitment to driving clean hydrogen development across the Nordics.

Satu Sipola, Fortum’s vice president of Power-to-X

Green hydrogen, produced using renewable or nuclear energy sources, offers a promising alternative to fossil fuels in numerous industries, including steel and fertilizer manufacturing. Its versatility extends beyond energy production, as hydrogen can be employed as a sustainable fuel and a substitute for fossil carbon in industrial processes.

Fortum’s strong position in clean energy production allows us to develop solutions that empower our industrial customers to decarbonize their operations. Through active research collaborations across the forest, steel, chemical, and transport sectors, we are collectively shaping a more sustainable future powered by clean hydrogen.

Satu Sipola, Fortum’s vice president of Power-to-X