popular articles

Fortum: Nuclear investments deemed unprofitable at current prices

Fortum, a major energy player in Finland, believes that electricity prices on the Nordic market are not sufficient to make new nuclear projects profitable, despite ambitions in Sweden and Finland.

Please share:

Fortum Oyj, a pillar of Finland’s energy industry, has clearly stated its position on new nuclear investments.
According to Fortum CEO Markus Rauramo, current electricity prices in the Nordic region do not make it economically justifiable to develop new nuclear infrastructure.
The fall in electricity prices from 135.86 euros/MWh in 2022 to an average of 42.01 euros/MWh in 2024 is a key factor in this assessment.
Sweden’s ambitions to build 2,500 MW of new nuclear capacity by 2035 thus appear compromised without stronger economic support.
Sweden has estimated the cost of these new reactors at SEK 400 billion ($38 billion), but Fortum insists that current market conditions are not conducive to such investments.

Optimization strategies and financial adjustments

Despite this unfavorable environment for nuclear power, Fortum continues to adapt its strategy to improve its financial performance.
The company recently announced an operating profit of 233 million euros for the second quarter of 2024, beating forecasts, albeit down on the previous year.
This performance is due in particular to optimized management of its hydro assets and the strategic sale of its solar portfolio in India. At the same time, Fortum is pursuing its plan to reduce fixed costs by 100 million euros by 2025.
The company expects to achieve savings of €50 million by the end of this year.
These adjustments are essential to maintain Fortum’s competitiveness in a market where energy prices are constantly changing.

Impact of the energy transition on the sector

The boom in renewable energies, particularly wind and solar power, has profoundly altered the dynamics of the Nordic energy market. The abundance of this intermittent generation has contributed to falling electricity prices, posing a challenge to the profitability of stable generation projects such as nuclear power.
This situation is forcing players like Fortum to reassess their investment priorities.
Against this backdrop, nuclear projects in Sweden and Finland, while crucial to grid stability, are being held back by economic considerations.
Future decisions will depend heavily on developments in the energy market and government policies aimed at supporting this sector.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The EPR of Flamanville symbolizes the challenges of French nuclear energy: delays, cost overruns, and loss of expertise. As the future shifts toward EPR2, the revival of this strategic sector remains fraught with uncertainties.
Argentine President Javier Milei has unveiled plans to build a modular nuclear reactor to address a 9% increase in energy demand in 2024, largely driven by the rise of artificial intelligence.
Argentine President Javier Milei has unveiled plans to build a modular nuclear reactor to address a 9% increase in energy demand in 2024, largely driven by the rise of artificial intelligence.
The Swiss government proposes lifting the ban on new nuclear power plants to offset the imminent loss of 29% of electricity supplied by aging reactors.
The Swiss government proposes lifting the ban on new nuclear power plants to offset the imminent loss of 29% of electricity supplied by aging reactors.
HD Hyundai and TerraPower collaborate on the Natrium project, a 345 MW nuclear reactor planned in Wyoming by 2030. This project represents a major step forward in the modular reactor sector to enhance the global energy transition.
HD Hyundai and TerraPower collaborate on the Natrium project, a 345 MW nuclear reactor planned in Wyoming by 2030. This project represents a major step forward in the modular reactor sector to enhance the global energy transition.
MAIRE S.p.A. and newcleo Holding launch Italy's first nuclear project under the Meloni government, featuring a 200 MWe advanced modular reactor.
Driven by favorable public policies and growing energy demand, the global nuclear energy market is projected to reach USD 44.71 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 2.9%. Major powers are intensifying investments in the sector.
Driven by favorable public policies and growing energy demand, the global nuclear energy market is projected to reach USD 44.71 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 2.9%. Major powers are intensifying investments in the sector.
Two American grants will finance studies on radioactive waste management and modular nuclear reactors in Bulgaria, strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting the country's energy objectives.
Two American grants will finance studies on radioactive waste management and modular nuclear reactors in Bulgaria, strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting the country's energy objectives.
The Flamanville EPR will be connected to the grid this Friday. After two decades of delays and cost overruns, this next-generation reactor marks a major milestone for French nuclear energy.
The Flamanville EPR will be connected to the grid this Friday. After two decades of delays and cost overruns, this next-generation reactor marks a major milestone for French nuclear energy.
Westinghouse and Aecon announce partnerships to develop AP1000 reactors in Canada, with an economic impact estimated at 20 billion CAD and thousands of jobs at stake.
EPH, a Czech group owned by Daniel Kretinsky, acquires a majority stake in Slovenske Elektrarne for 150 million euros, consolidating its presence in the European nuclear energy market.
EPH, a Czech group owned by Daniel Kretinsky, acquires a majority stake in Slovenske Elektrarne for 150 million euros, consolidating its presence in the European nuclear energy market.
Three associations withdrew from the public debate on the recycling of low-level radioactive metals in Fessenheim, citing a biased and unbalanced process.
Three associations withdrew from the public debate on the recycling of low-level radioactive metals in Fessenheim, citing a biased and unbalanced process.
The European Commission opens an investigation into Poland's public support for its first nuclear project, estimated at €45 billion, to ensure compliance with electricity market competition rules.
The European Commission opens an investigation into Poland's public support for its first nuclear project, estimated at €45 billion, to ensure compliance with electricity market competition rules.
NANO Nuclear and Digihost submit a proposal to NYSERDA to evaluate the integration of advanced nuclear technologies at a 60-megawatt energy site in New York State.
Standard Uranium engages Fleet Space Technologies to conduct multiphysics surveys combining ambient noise tomography and gravimetry. This project targets uranium-bearing corridors in the southwest of the Athabasca Basin.
Standard Uranium engages Fleet Space Technologies to conduct multiphysics surveys combining ambient noise tomography and gravimetry. This project targets uranium-bearing corridors in the southwest of the Athabasca Basin.
An independent economic analysis concludes that including nuclear energy in Australia's electricity market could yield substantial savings, with a cost reduction estimated at 44% compared to a scenario relying solely on renewable energy.
An independent economic analysis concludes that including nuclear energy in Australia's electricity market could yield substantial savings, with a cost reduction estimated at 44% compared to a scenario relying solely on renewable energy.
Iran surpasses critical limits, increasing uranium enrichment to 60%, while agreeing to stricter monitoring by the IAEA. This development heightens international tensions and revives diplomatic concerns.
Iran surpasses critical limits, increasing uranium enrichment to 60%, while agreeing to stricter monitoring by the IAEA. This development heightens international tensions and revives diplomatic concerns.
With over $1 billion in purchase orders in 2024, Candu Energy, a subsidiary of AtkinsRéalis, strengthens its Canadian nuclear supply chain by involving 350 local companies, supporting thousands of jobs and advancing the clean energy transition.
Poland confirms plans for its first nuclear power plant, scheduled to be operational by 2036, while unveiling projects for a second facility by 2040.
Poland confirms plans for its first nuclear power plant, scheduled to be operational by 2036, while unveiling projects for a second facility by 2040.
Two companies, Amentum and Multiconsult, have been tasked with assessing the feasibility of a modular reactor in Halden, marking a key step in Norway's ambition to address its growing energy deficit.
Two companies, Amentum and Multiconsult, have been tasked with assessing the feasibility of a modular reactor in Halden, marking a key step in Norway's ambition to address its growing energy deficit.
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom denounce Iran's increased uranium enrichment, deemed incompatible with civilian use, and call for negotiations to regulate its nuclear program.
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom denounce Iran's increased uranium enrichment, deemed incompatible with civilian use, and call for negotiations to regulate its nuclear program.
The Shimane 2 nuclear power plant in Japan resumed operations on December 7 after 13 years of inactivity. This second boiling water reactor marks a significant milestone in the country's energy revitalization.
The US regulator has validated the control system of the eVinci microreactor, paving the way for its autonomous operation. This innovative technology promises safe and adaptable energy without the need for constant monitoring.
The US regulator has validated the control system of the eVinci microreactor, paving the way for its autonomous operation. This innovative technology promises safe and adaptable energy without the need for constant monitoring.
Following recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Philippines is strengthening its commitment to nuclear energy, aiming to integrate this energy source into its energy mix by 2032.
Following recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Philippines is strengthening its commitment to nuclear energy, aiming to integrate this energy source into its energy mix by 2032.
The Beznau nuclear power plant, the oldest in Europe, will cease operations in 2033 according to its operator, Axpo. Greenpeace Switzerland demands an immediate shutdown to reduce environmental risks and prioritize renewable energy sources.
The Beznau nuclear power plant, the oldest in Europe, will cease operations in 2033 according to its operator, Axpo. Greenpeace Switzerland demands an immediate shutdown to reduce environmental risks and prioritize renewable energy sources.

Advertising