Name of the Project
Loviisa nuclear power plant (NPP) modernisation.

Location
Finland.

Project Owner/s
Finnish utility Fortum.

Project Description
The Loviisa plant comprises two VVER-440-type pressurised water reactors and currently provides more than 10% of Finland’s electricity. The total electricity production capacity of the units is currently 1 014 MW, but the modernisation of the turbines will increase plant capacity by about 38 MW, consequently increasing the output of the power plant during its lifetime by about 7 TWh.

The modernisations are part of the lifetime extension-related investments, constituting continuous improvements to ensure reliable electricity production until the end of the plant’s lifetime.

The project includes the renewal of eight low-pressure turbine housings and their internal parts. 

The project will significantly improve the efficiency of the turbine plant’s electricity production without increasing the thermal output of the reactor.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
The investments related to the lifetime extension will amount to about €1-billion by 2050. Over the past five years, Fortum has invested about €200-million in refurbishing the Loviisa power plant.

Planned Start/End Date
The modernisation will start in 2026.

Latest Developments
Fortum has commissioned a life-cycle assessment (LCA) of nuclear power produced at the Loviisa NPP. The results have demonstrated that the carbon footprint of electricity produced over the life cycle is at the same level or lower than electricity produced using other low-carbon and renewable-energy generation methods.

Fortum has indicated that the findings reaffirm Loviisa’s significance in delivering reliable, low-carbon electricity and supporting the objectives of the Paris Agreement. 

The study, conducted by Etteplan Oy, concludes that carbon footprint of electricity produced at Loviisa is 6.08 g CO₂ equivalent/kWh. 

Electricity production based on nuclear power and renewable energy are crucial to Fortum’s ability to reach its science‑based emission‑reduction targets through the company’s climate transition plan. 

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Doosan Škoda Power (turbine modernisation); and Westinghouse (VVER-440 fuel assemblies).

Contact Details for Project Information
Fortum, tel +358 10 4511.