Fortum Produces First Hydrogen at Kalla Test Center in Loviisa
Fortum has produced its first hydrogen at the Kalla Test Center in Loviisa, Finland. The facility is expected to be fully operational by spring 2026.
Fortum Oyj has successfully produced its first batch of hydrogen at its Kalla Test Center in Loviisa, Finland. The initial phases of electrolyzer equipment commissioning have yielded results, with the full test center anticipated to be operational by spring 2026.
The test center aims to accelerate electrification across the Nordic region. Fortum views the Kalla center as a significant step in leveraging hydrogen's potential for industrial decarbonization. The company is currently gathering the technical and commercial experience necessary to scale up renewable hydrogen production.
Hydorgen is produced through electrolysis, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using fossil-free electricity. The production utilizes two distinct electrolyzer technologies: a 1 MW alkaline electrolyzer from Stargate Hydrogen and a 0.75 MW PEM electrolyzer from Hystar. Operating both systems under real conditions provides valuable insights into their efficiency, flexibility, safety, and scalability.
The Kalla Test Center will function as a learning and development platform until 2028. Hydrogen produced at the facility will be delivered to P2X Solutions Oy under an existing agreement. A portion of the hydrogen will also be used for research and development, as well as at Fortum's Loviisa nuclear power plant. The findings will inform Fortum's potential commercial-scale hydrogen projects and future customer solutions.