The LP modernisations, scheduled to start in 2026, will be carried out by Doosan Škoda Power, and done in conjunction with the normal power plant annual outages. Doosan Škoda Power has previously supplied high-pressure turbines for Loviisa.
The LP upgrades are part of a programme of lifetime-extension-related investments aimed at continuous power plant improvements to ensure reliable electricity production until the end of the plant’s operating life. The modernisation of the turbines will result in significant efficiency enhancement and is expected to add 38 MWe of generating capacity to the plant’s existing 1014 MWe (amounting to about 7 TWh of additional electricity).
“Nuclear power is a strategic segment for us, and this contract is further confirmation that we are on the right track,” suggested Radek Trněný, Head of Sales Nuclear at Doosan Škoda Power.
In February 2023, the Finnish government granted a new operating licence to Loviisa enabling operation until 2050. Loviisa units 1 and 2 were connected to the grid in 1977 and 1980, respectively.
Over the course of the new licence period, and with the upgraded LP turbines, the power plant is expected to generate up to 177 TWh of emission-free electricity.
“Modernising the low pressure turbines is our first significant investment in preparation for the lifetime extension. Our aim is for the power plant to operate during the new operating licence period just as stably, reliably and safely as it has so far,” says Sasu Valkamo, Senior Vice President of the power plant.
It is estimated that the investments related to Loviisa lifetime extension will amount to approximately one billion euros by 2050. Over the past five years, Fortum say it has invested approximately 200 million euros in refurbishing the plant.
In 2023, Loviisa achieved a load factor of 91.06% and thanks to continuous development and modernisation it has consistently recorded load factors that are among the best for PWRs worldwide. The power plant produced some 8.09 TWh net in 2023, about 10% of Finland’s total electricity production.
