Rancho Seco Nuclear Generating Station

The Rancho Seco Nuclear Generating Station is a decommissioned nuclear power plant built by the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) in Clay Station, California.

This 2772 MWt Babcock and Wilcox pressurized water reactor (913 MWe) achieved initial criticality on 16 September 1976 and entered commercial operation on 17 April 1977. The plant operated from April 1975 to June 1989 but had a lifetime capacity average of only 39%; it was closed by public vote on 7 June 1989 (despite the fact that it's operating license is not expiring until 11 October 2008) after multiple referendums and the promise of ten years of subsidized power from the Diablo Canyon power plant. As of 2005, decommissioning activities are underway.