Fluor Secures Key Role in X-energy's Advanced Nuclear Project for Dow

Fluor to provide essential engineering and planning services for X-energy's SMR project at Dow's Seadrift facility in Texas.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:30pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A photorealistic studio photograph of a polished, geometric metal model of a small modular nuclear reactor, set against a clean, monochromatic background with dramatic studio lighting and deep shadows to symbolize the technical complexity and strategic importance of this advanced clean energy initiative.A photorealistic studio still life captures the sleek, high-tech design of the small modular nuclear reactors at the heart of Fluor's landmark clean energy project with X-energy and Dow.Seadrift Today

Fluor Corporation has been awarded a contract to provide Front-End Loading Stage 2 (FEL-2) services for X-energy's advanced nuclear project at Dow's Seadrift facility in Texas. The project involves the development of four 80-megawatt small modular reactors (SMRs) to supply carbon-free electricity and industrial steam, replacing aging infrastructure. Fluor's eight decades of nuclear expertise position the company well to support the execution of this high-profile initiative, which is backed by the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.

Why it matters

The agreement represents a major step in deploying SMR technology to provide clean energy for large-scale industrial operations. Fluor's involvement in the critical FEL-2 phase could position the company for significant future construction contracts, further strengthening its pipeline and backlog growth.

The details

The project at Dow's Seadrift site aims to supply carbon-free electricity and industrial steam by developing four 80-megawatt SMRs, which offer a more flexible, scalable, and potentially safer alternative to conventional nuclear reactors. The initiative is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, which accelerates commercialization through cost-sharing partnerships with private industry. Fluor's role in the FEL-2 phase will define the project's scope, assess technical feasibility, and establish rigorous cost and risk management frameworks, a vital determinant of whether the project will proceed to full-scale development.

  • The project has already cleared an important regulatory step, with a construction permit application submitted in March 2025 and currently under review by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
  • Fluor's fourth-quarter 2025 results underscore a successful transition from its 'Fix & Build' phase to a 'Grow & Execute' strategy, supported by a robust backlog of $25.5 billion.

The players

Fluor Corporation

An American engineering and construction company with more than eight decades of nuclear expertise, well-positioned to support the execution of this high-profile initiative.

X-energy

A company developing advanced nuclear technology, including small modular reactors (SMRs), for clean energy projects.

Dow

A multinational chemical corporation that is partnering with X-energy and Fluor on the advanced nuclear project at its Seadrift facility in Texas.

U.S. Department of Energy

The federal agency supporting the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, which is accelerating the commercialization of SMR technology through cost-sharing partnerships with private industry.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The federal agency currently reviewing the construction permit application for the advanced nuclear project at Dow's Seadrift facility.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The project's construction permit application is currently under review by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, indicating progress while formal approvals remain pending.

The takeaway

Fluor's involvement in the critical FEL-2 phase of X-energy's advanced nuclear project at Dow's Seadrift facility represents a significant step in deploying small modular reactor technology to provide clean energy for large-scale industrial operations. This agreement strengthens Fluor's pipeline and backlog growth, positioning the company for potential future construction contracts.