RALEIGH, N.C.  -- Progress Energy hopes to keep its Shearon Harris Nuclear Plant operating well into the 21st century.

The Raleigh-based utility submitted a license-renewal application to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission today. The review process is expected to take 22 to 30 months.

The plant was granted a 40-year license in 1986. If the NRC approves the renewal, then the plant's license would expire in 2046.

The NC Waste Reduction and Awareness Network and other nuclear opponents said they will challenge the review. NC WARN has called Shearon Harris one of the most unsafe nuclear plants in the country, but both Progress Energy and the NRC say that's wrong.

The plant is located near New Hill, outside Raleigh.