How Fluor is Guiding Centrus Energy’s Nuclear Expansion

Fluor has been awarded a multi-year contract by American Centrifuge Operating, LLC, a subsidiary of Centrus Energy. Under this agreement, Fluor will serve as the integrated engineering, procurement and construction partner to expand a low-enriched uranium (LEU) and high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) enrichment facility in Piketon, Ohio.

The company, whose expertise has helped to solve its clients' greatest challenges, now steps into a pivotal role within a project that underscores the complexity of mission-critical supply chains in the energy sector.

This contract supports a multi-billion dollar investment initiative which combines public and private funding to install thousands of new centrifuges at the American Centrifuge Plant owned by Centrus. For the construction and engineering sector, this partnership creates a framework for managing complex regulated materials sourcing amid significant capital investments.

It highlights the expertise required in securing resilient domestic supply lines for strategic commodities like HALEU which are vital for advanced nuclear reactors and energy security. Furthermore, it showcases the integration of procurement within large-scale EPC frameworks as they balance cost, compliance and timelines under intense national security scrutiny.

Delivering complex nuclear infrastructure

Fluor will spearhead the engineering and design work for the expansion of the Ohio facility. The scope of work includes the coordination of supply chain operations and procurement of critical materials and services.

In addition to these responsibilities, the company will manage on-site construction and assist with commissioning the additional capacity. This comprehensive remit places Fluor at the centre of a project designed to secure the nation's energy infrastructure.

Al Collins, Business Group President, Mission Solutions, at Fluor says: "This project secures Fluor's foundational position in the critical U.S. uranium enrichment market by supporting the re-establishment of a domestic low-enriched uranium and high-assay low-enriched uranium capability.

"We are proud of our long-term relationship with Centrus and to be a part of a team that supports the revitalisation of the United States' nuclear fuel supply chain."

The Piketon facility stands as one of only two licensed LEU production sites in the United States and remains the sole licensed HALEU producer in the Western world. The expansion will position Centrus as a major LEU supplier for current reactors whilst scaling up production of HALEU.

This specific fuel type will be essential in the coming years to power next-generation advanced reactors and meet rising global demand for carbon-free electricity.

Strategies for resilient procurement

For leaders in the construction and industrial sectors, the project exemplifies category strategy execution in high-stakes energy markets. It offers a model for navigating public-private partnerships and sustainability-driven supply chain redesign.

Fluor's commitment to building resilient supply chains extends beyond individual projects. Operating in more than 40 countries, the company prioritises local procurement.

According to data released by the company, 86% of its US$9.5bn (£7.5bn) in 2024 commitments were sourced from suppliers in the same country where goods are used or services rendered. This is a strategy that strengthens domestic capabilities whilst reducing supply chain risks.

Over the past decade, the procurement organisation at Fluor has partnered with more than 6,000 suppliers and contractors. This involves managing more than US$120bn (£95bn) in equipment, materials and services.

The company supports these partners in their own sustainability journeys and promotes environmentally responsible practices throughout the value chain.

By consolidating project cargo to optimise shipping, embracing digital transformation to reduce waste and maintaining rigorous environmental due diligence, Fluor demonstrates how sustainable procurement delivers both environmental benefits and exceptional value in mission-critical projects.

Focusing on project execution

The collaboration between Fluor and Centrus represents a significant step forward as manufacturing ramps up.

Amir Vexler, President and CEO at Centrus, adds: "This is another critical milestone for us as we begin our expansion in earnest.

"Fluor is a global leader with decades of experience managing complex nuclear construction projects and is an ideal partner as we transition to a large-scale deployment. With centrifuge manufacturing already underway, we are moving full speed ahead with our expansion."

The project is projected to generate more than 1,300 jobs in Ohio throughout the construction and operational phases. This influx of activity could boost the local economy significantly while strengthening the nation's energy infrastructure and national security.

From initial planning to project completion, Fluor remains committed to creating choice and opportunity on both local and global scales, building a better world for today and tomorrow.