Fortum to end coal-fired power generation in Finland − Meri-Pori coal power plant to close in spring 2027 with new industrial growth planned for Tahkoluoto
FORTUM CORPORATION PRESS RELEASE 24.6.2026
Fortum has decided to close and dismantle its Meri-Pori coal power plant. Electricity generation at the plant will end, and the facility will be permanently closed as of 1 March 2027. Fortum and City of Pori are pursuing strong new growth in the Meri-Pori Tahkoluoto area together with other industrial operators, and the area will be developed into a nationally significant clean transition industrial zone.
In June 2026, the Pori City Council approved the Tahkoluoto-Pakaarit component master plan, enabling new investments and a wide range of industrial activities in the area. The existing power line connected to Meri-Pori plant will remain in place to support future electricity-intensive operations.
“The closure of the Meri-Pori coal power plant marks a significant change, while also opening a new future for Tahkoluoto. We now have an opportunity to develop the area into a strategic hub for modern industry and clean energy, offering exceptional conditions for industrial operations next to Finland’s deepest port. For the City of Pori, this development is above all about strengthening regional vitality. Our goal is to attract new investments, jobs and business activity that will support long-term growth in the region,” says Lauri Inna, Mayor of Pori.
“Decarbonising industry and advancing the clean transition are at the core of Fortum’s strategy. Tahkoluoto has the potential to become one of Finland’s leading industrial areas powered by clean energy. Its strengths include existing energy infrastructure, deep-water port, and opportunities for large-scale electricity-intensive projects that support industrial renewal and low-carbon growth,” says Urs Pennanen, Senior Vice President for Corporate Customers at Fortum.
The Meri-Pori plant has been reserved for the use of Finland’s National Emergency Supply Agency (NESA) since March 2024. During this period, it has not generated electricity apart from test runs. The agreement with NESA will end at the close of 2026, after which the plant will return to the electricity market for the winter period in January and February 2027, before its final closure.
The National Emergency Supply Agency is preparing arrangements to procure reserve power generation capacity in a new form. The Meri-Pori coal power plant is no longer suitable for this purpose, and it is important to identify new solutions to ensure sufficient electricity generation in society in severe disruption situations and emergency conditions.
The closure is part of Fortum’s commitment to exit coal-based energy production by the end of 2027. Fortum has also set ambitious climate targets, including science-based short- and long-term emission reduction targets verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), as well as a commitment to reach net zero by 2040.
Fortum has no own personnel at Meri-Pori power plant. The operation and maintenance are managed by Fortum’s partner company.
Fortum Corporation
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Further information:
Fortum News Desk, newsdesk@fortum.com, +358 40 1982 843
Fortum
Fortum is a Nordic energy company. We generate and deliver reliable energy to our customers and the Nordic energy system while at the same time helping industries decarbonise their processes and grow. Our core operations comprise efficient and best-in-class low-carbon power generation, customer services, and heating and cooling. Fortum’s power generation is already 99% from renewable or nuclear sources with one of the lowest specific CO2-emissions in Europe. We are guided by our ambitious SBTi-validated emission reduction targets on our way towards net-zero by 2040. For our ~4,500 employees, we commit to be a safe and inspiring workplace. Fortum's share is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. fortum.com
