Fortum Unveils Advanced Hydrogen Strategy with Kalla Pilot Plant to Power Low-Carbon Future

Fortum Unveils Advanced Hydrogen Strategy with Kalla Pilot Plant to Power Low-Carbon Future

(IN BRIEF) Fortum is driving the global shift to a low‐carbon energy future by launching innovative hydrogen solutions showcased at the Hydrogen Summit & Expo in Tampere. Central to its strategy is the Kalla Hydrogen Pilot Plant in Finland, a 2 MW facility using both alkaline and PEM electrolyser technologies, scheduled to start production in late 2025 and operate until 2028. The project aims to optimize hydrogen production through advanced operational models that enhance safety, efficiency, and flexibility while addressing complex electricity procurement challenges through tailored strategies such as diversified hedging portfolios and compliance with sustainability standards. Fortum’s comprehensive approach, which includes dynamic grid integration and extensive support services like industrial site development and waste heat utilization, positions the company as a reliable partner for building a resilient, sustainable hydrogen ecosystem in the Nordics and beyond.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESPOO, 6-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Fortum is charting a new course in the global low-carbon energy transition with a comprehensive suite of hydrogen solutions designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable power. In a recent presentation at the inaugural Hydrogen Summit & Expo in Tampere, Fortum showcased its innovative approach to electricity purchasing and hydrogen production, emphasizing the critical role of tailored strategies in boosting efficiency and cost-effectiveness for its customers.

At the heart of Fortum’s strategy is the Kalla Hydrogen Pilot Plant in Finland—a 2 MW facility employing both alkaline and PEM electrolyser technologies. Set to begin production at the end of 2025 and run through 2028, the pilot plant is a proving ground for developing operational models that maximize safety, efficiency, and flexibility in hydrogen generation. Fortum is leveraging this project to pioneer new flexibility services, including dynamic operating modes for electrolyzers and advanced grid service integration, to create scalable, cost-effective hydrogen production models that harness renewable energy sources.

In addressing the challenges of hydrogen electricity procurement, Fortum has identified three key considerations: constructing a robust hedging portfolio through diverse instruments such as long-term PPAs and real-time market adjustments; adhering to stringent sustainability demands, including compliance with renewable fuel standards like RFNBO; and ensuring operational flexibility to navigate volatile electricity prices. Fortum’s in-house expertise in hydrogen, coupled with its extensive electricity production portfolio and the ability to tailor purchasing agreements, positions it as a reliable partner for customers looking to optimize their energy strategies while fulfilling environmental mandates through Guarantees of Origin.

Further reinforcing its commitment to the hydrogen economy, Fortum offers a comprehensive range of services, from industrial site development in the Nordics to demand response systems and waste heat utilization, ensuring that customers can tap into every aspect of a sustainable energy ecosystem. This collaborative vision, underscored by Fortum’s active participation in industry events and cross-sector partnerships, is designed to foster a robust, competitive hydrogen market in the Nordics and beyond.

As Fortum continues to share its expertise and innovations, it invites potential partners to join in building a thriving, low-carbon future. For those seeking a dependable collaborator in hydrogen projects, Fortum’s integrated solutions offer a pathway toward a sustainable and resilient energy landscape.

Media Contact:

Tobias Mehnert
PPA Sales Manager
+358 40 703 8139
tobias.mehnert@fortum.com

SOURCE: Fortum Corporation