April 17 (Reuters) - Constellation Energy Corp ( CEG )

said on Wednesday it has asked the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory

Commission (NRC) to extend the operating license of its Dresden

plant in Illinois by another two decades.

The nuclear plant produces enough baseload electricity to

power the equivalent of nearly 1.4 million homes, and is

currently licensed to operate through 2029 for Unit 2 and 2031

for Unit 3.

Constellation said its renewal application will kick start a

multi-year review by the NRC, and if approved, will keep the

plant operating through 2051.

There is growing global support for nuclear energy, which is

seen as a carbon-free solution to address pollution and climate

change.

Baltimore, Maryland-based Constellation has been investing

to maintain and expand its nuclear power generation. The company

in February said it is seeking license renewal for its other

plant in Illinois and last month issued a corporate green bond

worth $900 million to finance its nuclear energy projects.