Meri-Pori Coal Power Plant: 565 MW Facility in Pori, Finland

Meri-Pori is a coal-fired power plant located near Pori, Finland, with a capacity of 565 megawatts (MW). It is owned and operated by Fortum Power & Heat Generation, a major Nordic energy company. The plant is currently operational and serves as a significant baseload power source in the Finnish electricity system. The plant uses coal as its primary fuel and operates under Finland's strict environmental regulations, which align with the European Union's Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU). This directive requires the application of Best Available Techniques (BAT) to minimize emissions. As a coal plant, Meri-Pori is subject to emission limits for sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, as well as carbon dioxide (CO2) under the EU Emissions Trading System. Meri-Pori contributes to Finland's energy security by providing reliable power generation. Its location on the coast facilitates fuel delivery and cooling water access. While coal power is being phased out in many countries, Meri-Pori remains operational, highlighting the ongoing role of coal in Finland's energy mix during the transition to renewable sources.

Meri-Pori's coal combustion produces CO2, SO2, NOx, and particulate emissions, contributing to local and regional air quality concerns. The plant's coastal location near the Baltic Sea may affect marine ecosystems through thermal discharge and water intake. Finland's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2035 places pressure on coal plants to reduce emissions or transition to alternative fuels.