Nuclear: An Ideal Foundation for Our Clean Energy Future
Dresden Clean Energy Center’s two nuclear reactors in Morris, Illinois, can generate up to 1,845 megawatts (MW) of clean, carbon-free energy, enough electricity to power the equivalent of nearly 1.4 million homes. The site is also home to the nation’s first full-scale, privately financed nuclear plant, which was retired in 1978 and has been designated a Nuclear Historic Landmark.
U.S. nuclear energy facilities are initially licensed to operate for 40 years and a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) rule allows licensees to apply for initial and subsequent license renewals of up to 20 years each after the initial 40-year term. The NRC approved initial license renewal for Dresden on October 28, 2004 and a subsequent license renewal on December 16, 2025. With license renewal complete, Dresden Clean Energy Center Unit 2 is licensed until December 22, 2049 and Unit 3 is licensed until January 12, 2051.
Safety is Constellation's first and most critical obligation. Nuclear power plants are among the best-protected private sector facilities in America, with monitoring and inspections by plant owners, local officials and the federal government.
Learn more about the safety measures that we take to keep our employees, customers and communities safe.
Dresden Clean Energy Center has been part of the Grundy County community for over 40 years. We provide hundreds of well-paying jobs and millions of dollars in economic support, including about $24.8 million in taxes annually for schools, roads and other public services.
Dresden Clean Energy Center is referenced in legal and regulatory filings as Dresden Nuclear Power Station.
Dec 16, 2025
Dec 12, 2025
