Fortum and NESA Extend Meri-Pori Power Plant’s Operational Role for Enhanced Electricity Security: Insights into Finland’s Energy Transition and Future Planning

Fortum and the Finnish National Emergency Supply Agency (NESA) have decided to postpone the transition of Fortum’s Meri-Pori power plant to security of supply use by one month. Initially planned for March 1, 2024, the plant’s dedication for use exclusively during severe disruptions or emergencies in the electricity system will now commence on April 1, 2024, extending until December 31, 2026. This revised agreement prevents the imminent closure of the power plant.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Kai Mykkänen highlighted the importance of this arrangement in mitigating the risk of electricity shortages in March. The recent events in January underscored the necessity for more weather-resistant baseload and dispatchable power generation in Finland, prompting preparations for a capacity mechanism and other measures in the upcoming years.

Janne Känkänen, CEO of NESA, emphasized the collaborative effort between NESA and Fortum, citing the amendment to the agreement as a testament to successful cooperation.

Simon-Erik Ollus, Fortum’s Executive Vice President for Corporate Customers and Markets, expressed gratitude that the Meri-Pori power plant can continue supporting security of supply, particularly during this period of heightened volatility in the electricity market. However, he also raised concerns about potential electricity scarcity in future winters, calling for a broader societal discussion on the desired electricity system for Finland and strategies to ensure sufficient balancing and baseload power availability