Fortum produces first hydrogen at Kalla Test Center
The test center is expected to be fully operational during spring 2026 and is committed to accelerating electrification across the Nordics
Fortum has succeeded in producing first hydrogen at Kalla Test Center in Loviisa, Finland, during the first phases of the commissioning of the electrolyzer equipment. The test center is expected to be fully operational during spring 2026. Fortum is committed to accelerating electrification across the Nordics, and the Kalla Test Center will contribute to that goal.
“This first hydrogen from Kalla is a tangible step from vision to reality and a significant milestone for Fortum and its ambition to explore hydrogen’s potential in decarbonising Nordic industries. We are gaining the technical and commercial experience needed to scale renewable hydrogen and drive the Nordic decarbonisation,” says Satu Sipola, VP P2X and Project Execution at Fortum.
Fortum’s approach focuses on building technical readiness and commercial viability one step at a time — Kalla is a technical pilot allowing us to proceed with possible larger projects supporting industrial customers needs.
Testing with two types of electrolysers
Hydrogen at Kalla is produced through electrolysis — splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using fossil-free electricity. Hydrogen acts as an energy carrier that can store and transport energy without producing CO₂ when used, making it valuable where direct electrification is not possible.Two electrolyser technologies integrated into one plant are being commissioned in phases.
- 1 MW alkaline electrolyser from Stargate Hydrogen
- 0.75 MW PEM electrolyser from Hystar
Operating both systems under real conditions provides valuable insights into efficiency, flexibility, safety and scalability.
Hydrogen delivered to industrial customer
The Kalla Test Center will operate as a learning and development platform through 2028. The findings will help shape Fortum’s possible commercial-scale hydrogen projects and future customer solutions.
Hydrogen from Kalla will be delivered to P2X Solutions Oy through an existing agreement. Part of the hydrogen will also be used for research and development as well as at Fortum’s Loviisa nuclear power plant.
Source: Fortum, press release, 2025-12-18.