Fortum continues to advance in its commitment to eliminate the use of coal in all its operations by 2027, confirming an investment of 85 million euros to modernize its cogeneration plant located in Zabrze, southern Poland. This action is part of its ambitious decarbonization plan that seeks to consolidate an cleaner and more sustainable and sustainable energy production.
Zabrze transforms: from coal to biomass and waste
The Zabrze plant will be equipped with technologies that will allow it to operate using biomass and refuse-derived fuels (RDF). This structural change will enable Fortum to reduce its coal-fired generation capacity by 0.1 gigawatts (GW) and reduce its annual fossil CO₂ emissions by approximately 280,000 tons.
The modernization work is scheduled to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2027.
Poland, a strategic hub for energy transition
The Zabrze project is in addition to the decarbonization of the Częstochowa cogeneration plant, also in Poland, announced by Fortum at the end of 2024. With these initiatives, the power utility is strengthening its presence in Central Europe and accelerating its energy transition away from coal.
As of today, Fortum’s remaining coal-based capacity stands at 0.8 GW, reserved only for emergency situations within the Finnish power system.
A model aligned with science
Fortum’s strategy is not limited to plant modernization, it is aligned with the goals of net zero emissions by 2040, backed by scientific criteria and validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In addition, its goal of emissions reduction goal is also based on climate science.
In parallel to its operations in Poland, the company is leading the Espoo Clean Heat program in Finland, with an investment of 300 million euros, which aims to completely replace fossil fuels in heat production in the cities of Espoo, Kauniainen and Kirkkonummi by 2030. In April 2024, the use of coal in this program was phased out more than a year ahead of schedule.
Fortum accelerates its exit from coal
During 2024, 99 % of the company’ s electricity generation came from nuclear, hydroelectric and renewable sources. However, 23% of its heat production still relied on coal, justifying the current focus on decarbonization of its thermal facilities.
With each announced project, the company strengthens its role as a benchmark in the European energy transition, combining sustainable investments, technological innovation and verifiable climate targets.
Source: Fortum