Fortum Invests in Key Upgrades for Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant’s Seawater Pump System

Fortum Invests in Key Upgrades for Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant’s Seawater Pump System

(IN BRIEF) Fortum is renewing the main seawater pumps and motors at its Loviisa nuclear power plant as part of investments to extend the plant’s lifespan and ensure reliable electricity production. The seawater pumps, critical to the plant’s cooling system, are being replaced during annual outages from 2026 to 2028, coinciding with the renewal of low-pressure turbines. The project involves extensive coordination across engineering disciplines and underscores Fortum’s commitment to safe and efficient nuclear power operations.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESPOO, 12-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Fortum has announced a major renewal project for the main seawater pumps and motors at its Loviisa nuclear power plant. This initiative is part of ongoing investments aimed at extending the plant’s operational lifespan and ensuring the safe and reliable production of electricity through to the end of its lifetime.

Enhancing Reliability and Safety
The existing main seawater pumps, which form a critical part of the plant’s cooling system, are reaching the end of their lifecycle. These pumps play a vital role in condensing exhaust steam from turbines into water by circulating seawater through the condensers. Each plant unit is equipped with four of these pumps.

“This renewal project is a testament to our rigorous approach to lifecycle management and safety at the Loviisa plant,” explained Elina Brunner, Head of Engineering and Investments. “Controlled ageing management is essential to maintaining the safety, reliability, and profitability of a nuclear power plant.”

A Complex and Coordinated Effort
The project involves numerous technical and engineering challenges, requiring seamless coordination between Fortum and its suppliers. “This initiative demands extensive collaboration across various domains, including electrical and automation work, mechanical and process engineering, and construction,” noted Mika Vento, Fortum’s Project Manager.

Planned Timeline and Integration
The renewal of the seawater pumps will take place during the plant’s annual outages between 2026 and 2028. To optimize efficiency, the project is scheduled to align with the replacement of the plant’s low-pressure turbines.

Fortum’s investment in these upgrades reflects its commitment to maintaining the Loviisa power plant’s high standards of performance, safety, and reliability, ensuring continued contributions to sustainable energy production.

Fortum

Fortum is a Nordic energy company. Our purpose is to power a world where people, businesses and nature thrive together. We are one of the cleanest energy producers in Europe and our actions are guided by our ambitious environmental targets. We generate and deliver clean energy reliably and help industries to decarbonise their processes and grow. Our core operations in the Nordics comprise of efficient, CO2-free power generation as well as reliable supply of electricity and district heat to private and business customers. For our ~5 000 employees, we commit to be a safe, and inspiring workplace. Fortum’s share is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. www.fortum.com

Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant

In 2023, the load factor at Fortum’s fully-owned Loviisa nuclear power plant was 91.06%. The continuous development and modernisation of the power plant enable load factors that are among the best for pressurised water reactors on an international scale. In 2023, the power plant produced a total of 8.09 terawatt hours (net) of electricity, which is more than 10% of Finland’s electricity production. Fortum employs about 700 nuclear sector professionals, 560 of them work at the Loviisa power plant. Additionally, nearly 100 permanent employees of other companies work in the power plant area every day. More information: www.fortum.com/loviisa

Media Contact: 

Fortum News Desk
+358 40 198 2843
newsdesk@fortum.com

SOURCE: Fortum Corporation