How is Fluor Corporation Advancing US Refining Technology?

In recent years, the US has been pushing for a more independent and domestic supply chain operation across all industries.

As oil supply chains become more vulnerable, the US is aiming to reduce its reliance on other countries.

In an attempt to establish a stronger domestic operation, America First Refining (AFR) is constructing the first new refinery in the US in more than 50 years and it has chosen Fluor Corporation to design it.

Domestic oil supply

Oil is a key commodity and has been for many years. The reliance on oil has brought supply chains to a standstill on more than one occasion and disruption to oil supply has resulted in incredibly high prices and a lack of resources. At present, countries and organisations around the world are vulnerable to oil disruption.

Between 2014-2024, the US exported nearly 10 billion barrels pf crude oil overseas, but it also imported 28 billion barrels of crude oil in the same period. To reduce reliance on imported oil, America First Refining is working to produce, refine and make oil in America. To do so, it is developing a hydrogen-powered refinery to produce clean fuels in the United States. 

The new refinery will fuel US industry, jobs, energy independence and will boost economic activity by redirecting up to 60 million barrels every year. It is the first new refinery on the Gulf of America in 50 years and will be build in Brownsville, Texas. 

Throughout the process, it will utilise commercially proven technologies to produce high-octane, cleaner fuels. These advanced technologies are developed by leading American and global engineering firms, welcoming innovation, efficiency and responsibility. 

The project is currently in Phase I of construction, but it has now announced that Fluor Corporation will engineer and design the facility. It will use excess produced hydrogen to make cleaner fuels in order to create low-emission fuels and help reduce carbon pollution.

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A strong partner

Fluor Corporation is an American engineering and construction company, providing services across oil & gas, industrial & infrastructure and government & power. It utilises world-class expertise in order to solve its clients' greatest challenges, relying on technical solutions which focus on safety, execution and efficiency. 

Its headquarters in Texas makes it an ideal partner for the project, alongside its more than 50 years in providing engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance services. It will execute the front-end engineering and design for the large-scale refining facility. It is set to recognise the undisclosed contract value in the first quarter of 2026. 

The facility will efficiently and cleanly process American shale oil into gasoline, jet fuel and diesel. Following completion, it is estimated that it will process more than 60 million barrels of domestic crude oil a year, supporting clean fuel innovation and working towards more resilient domestic energy.

“We are honoured to partner with America First Refining on this landmark US project,” says Pierre Bechelany, Fluor’s Business Group President of Energy Solutions.

“Together, AFR and Fluor bring deep technical expertise and proven project‑delivery capabilities, positioning the project for successful execution. This collaboration reflects both companies’ commitment to advancing the nation’s refining infrastructure.”

Strategic positioning

The complex, which will be constructed within the Port of Brownsville – a deep-water port – will be situated in a foreign trade zone and key hub for transportation and industrial growth. According to America First Refining, the complex "will serve as a model for the future of American energy".

The port spans 40,000 acres and is the largest land-owning public port authority in the US. It is a key hub for energy, ship building and ship recycling, which means the refining facility will be strategically placed for energy use and trade. 

It is a key hub for the movement of natural gas liquids, bulk petroleum, refined products and other specialised bulk liquids, making it a significant location for efficient transportation of AFR's products. 

This construction project aims to develop resilience for US oil supply chains and works to meet US President Donald Trump's goals of strong, domestic production capabilities.