March 31 (Reuters) - U.S. utility Duke Energy ( DUK )

said on Monday the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has

approved the license renewal of its Oconee nuclear station in

South Carolina for another 20 years.

The U.S. nuclear industry has garnered renewed interest in

recent times after decades of stagnation, supported by a surge

in power demand propelled by power-hungry data centers and as

businesses look for cleaner sources of energy.

The renewed licenses will allow Oconee to operate through

2053 and 2054. The license was set to expire in 2034.

Oconee also became Duke Energy's ( DUK ) first nuclear facility to

reach the milestone of receiving approval to operate for 80

years.

All Duke Energy ( DUK ) nuclear plants have received initial license

renewal to achieve up to 60 years of operation, and subsequent

license renewal allows up to 80 years of operation, the company

said.

The utility said it is also planning to submit a license

renewal application for its Robinson nuclear plant located in

Hartsville in South Carolina.