Valmet has been selected to carry out a major fuel conversion project at Fortum’s combined heat and power (CHP) plant in Zabrze, Poland, playing a central role in the facility’s transition away from coal. Under the project, Valmet will modify the existing boiler island to enable the shift from coal-based firing to biomass.
The work forms part of Fortum’s €85 million modernization program for the Zabrze plant. At present, the facility operates using a fuel mix of around 60 percent coal and 40 percent refuse-derived fuel (RDF). Following the upgrade, coal will be completely phased out and replaced with certified forest biomass sourced from local suppliers.
The retrofit supports Fortum’s broader commitment to eliminate coal from its operations by the end of 2027. Once completed, the conversion at Zabrze is expected to reduce coal-based generation capacity by approximately 0.1 GW and cut annual direct fossil carbon dioxide emissions by about 280,000 tonnes. Beyond emissions reduction, the project is aimed at delivering cleaner air, more stable heating costs, and improved living conditions for the surrounding community.
Valmet will act as the main contractor for the boiler modifications, converting the existing circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler to operate on biomass. The scope includes new biomass and RDF fuel feeding systems, additive feeding solutions to mitigate corrosion and fouling, and oil burners to maintain furnace temperatures during low-load operation with RDF. Drawing on its experience from similar coal-to-biomass conversions, Valmet will integrate new systems with the existing plant infrastructure.
The order has been booked in Valmet’s fourth-quarter 2025 intake. While the contract value has not been disclosed, the modernized plant is scheduled to begin operations in the final quarter of 2027. Valmet is a global technology and services company that provides solutions for the pulp, paper, and energy industries, as well as process automation and flow control applications. Headquartered in Finland, Valmet supports customers throughout the entire lifecycle of their industrial operations, from new installations and upgrades to ongoing services and digital solutions.
The company is known for its strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and operational performance, helping customers improve productivity, energy efficiency, and environmental performance. With a wide international presence, Valmet serves a broad range of process industries through advanced technologies, automation systems, and a comprehensive global service network.
