Konecranes to modernize two cranes for Fortum Power & Heat at Finland’s largest hydropower plant

• Konecranes to upgrade two industrial cranes at Fortum Power & Heat's Imatra Hydropower Plant, enhancing performance and extending their service life to support electricity supply for over 50,000 households.

• The modernization project, scheduled for October 2024, will take place in a protected historical building, requiring careful planning to preserve the site's heritage.

• Advanced technologies, including a Crane Reliability Study and RailQ, were utilized by Konecranes to assess the condition of the cranes and develop a tailored modernization solution.

• The upgrade includes the installation of new hoists—two 87-ton SMT1925 and two 10-ton CXT6022 auxiliary hoists—and the replacement of electrical components to address the challenges of the aging cranes.

• Konecranes demonstrates its industry leadership through a customer-focused approach, continuous improvement, and investments in digitalization and technology to enhance material flow efficiency and promote decarbonization and safety.

Konecranes will modernize the industrial cranes at Fortum Power & Heat’s turbine hall in Imatra, Finland to ensure a continued steady supply of electricity for over 50,000 households annually. The order was booked in November 2023, with deliveries and installation scheduled for October 2024.

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The modernization of the two aging cranes at the Imatra Hydropower Plant, which started operations in 1929, will enhance performance and extend the cranes' service life. The project involves working within the confines of a protected historical building, adding an extra layer of complexity to the task.

"We leveraged advanced technologies such as our Crane Reliability Study and RailQ to assess the cranes' condition, providing Fortum Power & Heat with a comprehensive solution tailored to their needs," said Jari A. Koskinen, Sales Manager, Konecranes Industrial Service & Equipment, Finland.

"The heritage protection status of our facility meant there were significant restrictions on how to carry out the project. Konecranes played an active role in planning the modernization so the historical integrity of the power plant was preserved," said Petra Väisänen, Project Manager, Fortum Power & Heat.

Konecranes used a variety of advanced Consultation Services, such as a Crane Reliability Study and RailQ, coupled with a steel structure analysis to take a deeper look at the crane and its components. This analysis formed the basis for the modernization plan, addressing specific challenges posed by the aging cranes. The modernization includes the installation of two 87-ton hoists (SMT1925) and two 10-ton (CXT6022) auxiliary hoists, along with the replacement of electrical cubicles, cables and wiring.

A strong focus on customers and commitment to business growth and continuous improvement make Konecranes a lifting industry leader. This is underpinned by investments in digitalization and technology, plus our work to make material flows more efficient with solutions that decarbonize the economy and advance circularity and safety.

For a concise overview of Konecranes’ business, please click here. Konecranes’ leading solutions for the power industry can be found here. For a useful glossary of crane and lifting terms, please click here.