Fluor Corporation has signed a contract with X-energy to advance the development of a project based on SMR reactors at Dow’s facilities in Seadrift, Texas. The agreement includes the execution of the initial planning phase, known as FEL-2, which is key to defining the project’s technical and economic viability.
Specifically, Fluor will be responsible for developing the FEL-2 stage, focusing on project definition, strategic planning, and cost control. Additionally, critical aspects such as risk mitigation and feasibility assessment will be addressed.
Four SMR reactors for industrial energy
The project includes the construction of four XE-100 type SMR reactors, each with a capacity of 80 megawatts, which will generate electricity and industrial steam safely and without carbon emissions.
The 4 units will replace the existing obsolete energy infrastructure at the Dow plant. Products manufactured at this plant cover sectors such as food packaging, components for solar energy, and medical materials, which reinforces the importance of a reliable energy supply.
Impact of SMR reactors on the industry
The project is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy through the ARDP program, aimed at accelerating the adoption of advanced nuclear technologies.
Finally, this project is shaping up to be one of the first industrial-scale SMR reactor developments in North America. Its implementation could set a trend in the manufacturing sector’s energy transition.
Source: Fluor Corporation