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A renewed training simulator secures the safe operation of the Loviisa power plant well into the future
19 January 2026 at 12:27 EET
The modernisation of Fortum’s Loviisa power plant training simulator is one of the first upgrades connected to the plant’s new operating license. The new simulator offers operators a safe and highly realistic environment in which to practice operating the plant in all conceivable situations, including rare scenarios that seldom occur in real life.
“The renewed simulator plays a vital role in ensuring the safe operation of the power plant and extending its lifetime. Every plant modification and new systems are first introduced to operators through simulator training before being deployed,” explains Sami Ronkainen, Director of Operations at the Loviisa power plant.
The simulator mirrors the plant’s main control room, giving operators access to the same panels and interfaces they use in the real facility. This creates a training environment that supports both everyday operational practice and preparedness for potential disturbance situations.
“The renewal was driven by the need to ensure that the training simulator will meet the plant’s needs for decades to come. The previous simulator had reached the end of its technical lifetime and no longer fully matched the plant’s systems, particularly following automation upgrades,” Ronkainen notes.
Apros process model – a demonstration of in‑house excellence
The simulator combines full‑scale control room panels with a modern simulation system running in the background. Its process model is based on the continuously updated Apros software. Fortum has developed the Apros‑based process model in‑house and is also responsible for its maintenance and ongoing updates. The model accurately reflects the plant’s real‑world operation, covering everything from process systems to electrical and automation functions.
The Apros software used in the simulator—developed by Fortum and VTT—marks its 40th anniversary this year. It is used, among other things, to perform safety analyses for the Loviisa power plant. Apros products and services have been delivered to more than 30 countries, serving a wide range of users including EPC contractors, equipment manufacturers, energy companies, engineering firms, research institutions and universities. The software received the Automation Award from the Finnish Society of Automation in 2021.