Nuclear projects gaining profile in US firm Fluor

Mar 22, 2007, 18:53 GMT

Washington - The US engineering firm Fluor Corporation Thursday said it intends to 'vigorously pursue' nuclear projects in the US, Britain and elsewhere, and is creating a new branch to cater to the sector.

The branch, which will serve growing international demand for non- carbon-emissions-producing energy sources, will belong to Fluor's existing power group, and be headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, the company said in a statement.

'We intend to vigorously pursue nuclear new build and capital projects in the United States, United Kingdom and around the world,' said Ron Pitts, senior vice president of nuclear power. 'Our industry-leading project management systems and safety performance record position us well for this expanding market.'

The company cited its 'significant track record' of delivering complex large-scale projects.

Fluor has provided key engineering or construction services in the design and/or construction of 20 nuclear units in the first wave of US nuclear plant construction between 1970 and 1993.

Fluor has also managed facility operations and decommissioning for the US, British and Russian governments, remaining active in the commercial nuclear market despite the lull in new building that followed the 1979 accident at Three Mile Island in the US and the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine.

Interest in nuclear energy has received new impetus from growing concern about global warming blamed on carbon emissions from coal and oil. The administration of US President George W Bush and US Congress, in its 2005 energy act, have also endorsed a nuclear revival.

More than 30 units are currently in line for approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.