Master Thesis - Public Safety in Hydropower

Enhancing Public Safety in Hydropower Operations: A Conceptual Framework for Transitioning from Current Practices to Desired Safety Standards 

Background
Hydropower plays a vital role in the Nordic energy system, providing both renewable energy and operational flexibility. However, the infrastructure and operations associated with hydropower assets also involve significant public safety risks, including dam integrity, flood control, emergency response, and interactions with nearby communities and recreational areas.

While dam safety has received structured attention, broader public safety considerations have often been treated less systematically. Internal discussions within Fortum have revealed that although the need for improvement is well recognized, current resource limitations and fragmented practices hinder a consistent and proactive approach.

This gap presents an opportunity to explore how risk-based thinking and practical tools can be applied to strengthen public safety in hydropower operations. By combining theoretical insights with real-world observations, this thesis aims to support the development of a more resilient and safety-conscious operational model — one that integrates public safety into daily decision-making, planning, and asset management.

Objective
The objective of this thesis is to explore and enhance public safety practices within hydropower operations through a practical and risk-informed approach.

The work will include:

• Current State Analysis: Mapping existing safety protocols, risk management practices, and operational procedures across selected hydropower assets, with a focus on identifying gaps and inconsistencies.

• Desired State Definition: Identifying best practices, regulatory expectations, and stakeholder needs to define a target safety framework that is both realistic and scalable.

• Concept Development: Proposing a structured and risk-based approach or toolset to support the transition from current to desired safety practices. This may include a draft that integrates with existing operational models and supports continuous improvement.

This thesis aims to deliver actionable insights and a conceptual foundation for improving public safety in hydropower — balancing theoretical understanding with practical relevance and supporting both operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

Our offer

At Fortum we see a Thesis Project as a good way to get to know you during your study time and for you to learn more about Fortum and how our business is working. A Supervisor will be appointed to support and guide you through the Thesis Project and you will also create a network of people within the Company as well as with other Students doing their thesis with us.

For a well performed and approved work, we will provide a taxable lumpsum award.

This Thesis Project is preferably executed at either of our offices in Stockholm/Solna, Karlstad, Borlänge or Östersund.

Your qualifications
We believe that you are studying Safety engineering, Energy systems engineering, Civil engineering or similar, at a Master Programme level. Courses or experience in hydropower are meriting. The Project will be performed in English.

We expect you to be analytical, energetic and able to work independently. You like challenges and are interested in solving complicated technical problems.

Interested?

To apply, register your CV and a personal letter of maximum one page or a Power Point presentation of maximum two slides, in our Recruitment Tool, latest by 23rd November 2025. Applications will be evaluated continuously and an applicant may be selected before this date.

The personal letter shall include an approach on how you would like to investigate the idea. Mark your application with the reference number HYG-183.

If you have General questions about Theses or Internship at Fortum, please address those to fortumcareers@fortum.com

Please note that we have more Master Thesis Projects open for application at our recruitment site.

To be selected, the applicant may need to go through a background clearance with a health examination which may include a drug test. 

At Fortum, we are committed to building diverse teams where everyone feels included and is treated equally.

We are Fortum

Fortum is a Nordic energy company. We generate and deliver reliable energy to our customers and the Nordic energy system while at the same time helping industries decarbonise their processes and grow. Our core operations comprise efficient and best-in class low-carbon power generation, customer services, and heating and cooling. Fortum’s power generation is already 99% from renewable or nuclear sources with one of the lowest specific CO2-emissions in Europe. We are guided by our ambitious SBTi-validated emission reduction targets on our way towards net-zero by 2040. For our ~4,500 employees, we commit to be a safe and inspiring workplace. Fortum's share is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. fortum.com