Fortum has announced it has added 250 employees to its hydropower operations and maintenance team in Sweden and Finland. This move reverses a decision made about a decade ago when the company outsourced its hydropower maintenance staff.
In 2023, Fortum evaluated the potential benefits of bringing maintenance operations back in-house. The analysis, completed in the summer of 2023, led to the decision to reintegrate the maintenance staff, aiming to improve efficiency and foster a stronger internal community.
By adding these new employees, Fortum aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of its hydropower operations. The company is also focusing on recruiting local workers to strengthen ties with the communities where it operates, ensuring smooth facility operations and building positive local relationships.
“Operation and maintenance are critical parts of our core business. By integrating our hydropower facilities and staff within the same organization, we create a more cohesive and efficient working environment,” said Katarina Atteryd Eckerwall, Head of Fortum’s Hydropower Facilities. “We hope and believe that this will increase our ability to address challenges, promote a safety culture, and enhance the quality of our operations and maintenance.”
Fortum believes that bringing skilled technicians and experts together will foster learning and innovation, essential for meeting future energy needs. The company also aims to deepen its engagement with local communities, strengthening both its operations and the communities around its hydropower facilities.
Fortum’s focus on integrating local labour aligns with its strategic goals and commitment to a fossil-free energy transition. Hydropower plays a crucial role in the Nordic energy system, contributing to nearly half of the region’s electricity production. Maintaining these plants is vital for Fortum’s efforts to support the Nordic energy infrastructure.
