Outokumpu and Fortum Join Forces to Explore Sustainable Nuclear Technologies for Steel Manufacturing

Outokumpu and Fortum Join Forces to Explore Sustainable Nuclear Technologies for Steel Manufacturing

(IN BRIEF) Fortum, a leading Nordic clean energy company, and Outokumpu, the global leader in sustainable stainless steel, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the decarbonisation of Outokumpu’s steel manufacturing operations with emerging nuclear technologies, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMR). The long-term process aims to assess the potential construction of SMRs in Finland, with the Tornio region as a possible location. The MoU is part of Fortum’s Nuclear Feasibility Study, which explores commercial, technological, and societal conditions for SMRs and large reactors in Finland and Sweden, and investigates new partnerships and business models.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESPOO, 23-Mar-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Fortum, a top Nordic clean energy company, and Outokumpu, the global leader in sustainable stainless steel, have signed an MoU to explore the decarbonisation of Outokumpu’s steel manufacturing operations with emerging nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMR).

The agreement aligns with Fortum’s strategy to promote decarbonisation and growth for Nordic industries by providing clean energy and CO2-free solutions to its customers. The MoU initiates a long-term process with the aim to assess the potential construction of SMRs in Finland. The Tornio region in Finland, where Outokumpu’s largest mill is located, is a potential location for the project. In the first phase, the goal is to identify potential business models and technical solutions for further development. Any investment decisions will be made at a later stage.

“Decarbonising heavy industries is a prerequisite for reaching carbon-neutrality in the Europe and this requires significant amounts of clean energy. The Nordic market is extremely competitive when it comes to clean and affordable power, and Fortum is one of the very few European companies that can deliver it reliably, when needed and at scale to our customers already today. In the future, however, more will be needed. So, we are pleased to start collaboration with a steel industry forerunner like Outokumpu to explore the future potential of new nuclear power in the Nordics,” says Markus Rauramo, President and CEO, Fortum.

“We are at the forefront of decarbonizing the steel industry. Looking into emerging technologies in our energy supply, is a natural step in our ambition to reduce CO₂ -emissions. In addition to wind, solar, and hydropower, energy intensive industries and the whole society needs stable and CO₂-free electricity generation. Today nuclear power is the only alternative for this. Therefore, we are excited to explore the possibilities offered by small modular reactors together with Fortum, as part of our sustainability journey,” says Heikki Malinen, President and CEO, Outokumpu.

The MoU is part of Fortum’s Nuclear Feasibility Study, launched in November 2022. The two-year program explores commercial, technological, and societal conditions, including political, legal, and regulatory aspects for SMRs and conventional large reactors in Finland and Sweden. The study also investigates new partnerships and business models. Fortum has already signed cooperation agreements with British Rolls-Royce SMR, French EDF, Swedish Kärnfull Next, and Finnish Helen, in addition to Outokumpu.

Further information from Fortum:

International media: Laurent Leveugle, +358 40 542 2001, Head of Newbuild Feasibility Study, Fortum
Fortum Newsdesk, +358 40 198 2843, newsdesk@fortum.com

Read more from our press release 17 Oct 2022: Fortum launches a feasi­bility study to explore prereq­ui­sites for new nuclear

Further information from Outokumpu:

Päivi Allenius, VP – Communications & Brand at Outokumpu, tel. +358 40 753 7374
Outokumpu media desk, tel. +358 40 351 9840, e-mail media@outokumpu.com

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 being a safe, and inspiring workplace. Fortum’s share is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. fortum.com

Outokumpu
Outokumpu is the global leader in stainless steel. The foundation of our business is our ability to tailor stainless steel into any form and for almost any purpose. Stainless steel is sustainable, durable and designed to last forever. Our customers use it to create civilization’s basic structures and its most famous landmarks as well as products for households and various industries. Outokumpu employs more than 8,000 professionals in close to 30 countries, with headquarters in Helsinki, Finland and shares listed in Nasdaq Helsinki. www.outokumpu.com

SOURCE: Fortum Corporation