Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Calpine

Calpine Corporation is an American competitive wholesale power generation company headquartered in , , recognized as the largest producer of from and geothermal resources in the United States. It operates a fleet of 79 power plants across with a combined capacity of approximately 27,000 megawatts, sufficient to supply to roughly 27 million homes, primarily serving deregulated markets through efficient, gas-fired combined-cycle and renewable geothermal facilities. Founded in 1984 in , initially focusing on at in , Calpine expanded aggressively into natural gas-fired generation during the energy deregulation era, achieving rapid growth but accumulating substantial debt. This overexpansion contributed to its filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December 2005, with reported losses exceeding $10 billion that year, marking it as one of the largest energy bankruptcies following the collapse. The company reemerged in 2008 under new private ownership with streamlined operations and leadership, refocusing on core competencies in reliable, lower-emission power production while maintaining its position as the nation's top operator, powering over 725,000 homes renewably. Key achievements include pioneering efficient technologies and sustaining geothermal output amid market volatility, alongside recent expansions like the 2024 acquisition of the Quail Run Energy to bolster grid capacity. Controversies center on its 2005 , attributed to speculative debt-fueled growth in volatile wholesale markets rather than operational failures, highlighting risks in deregulated sectors where empirical overcapacity and price collapses exposed financial vulnerabilities. Calpine also engages in supply through subsidiaries, positioning it as a vertically integrated player committed to meeting rising U.S. demand with a mix of dispatchable and baseload resources.

Company Profile

Founding and Headquarters

![Calpine headquarters building in Houston][float-right] Calpine Corporation was founded in June 1984 in , by Peter Cartwright, initially focusing on development inspired by technologies. The company originated from an investment in 1 MW of geothermal capacity in , starting with a small team of eight employees in a single office. Cartwright, along with two other executives from the environmental engineering firm Gibbs & Hill, Inc., established Calpine to capitalize on opportunities in independent power production amid the post-1973 trends. Originally incorporated in California, Calpine's early operations centered in Silicon Valley, reflecting its roots in innovative energy technologies. Over time, as the company expanded its portfolio beyond geothermal to include natural gas-fired power generation, it relocated its headquarters to Houston, Texas, to align with the state's prominent energy sector ecosystem. Calpine's current headquarters are located at 717 Texas Avenue, Suite 1000, in downtown Houston, a strategic position in the heart of the U.S. energy capital. This move supported the firm's growth into one of the largest independent power producers in North America, with the Houston office serving as the central hub for executive leadership and strategic operations.

Ownership and Financial Structure

Calpine Corporation is a owned by a of investors led by Energy Capital Partners (ECP), which completed a take-private transaction valued at approximately $17 billion in 2018 following the company's emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. Co-investors in the include , with prior participants such as having divested their stakes in 2025 as part of ongoing portfolio adjustments. This structure provides Calpine with focused capital from energy-focused , enabling investments in its generation fleet without public market pressures. In January 2025, Constellation Energy announced a definitive agreement to acquire Calpine for an equity purchase price of $16.4 billion in cash and stock, plus the assumption of approximately $12.7 billion in net debt, valuing the enterprise at $26.6 billion after adjustments for cash flows and tax attributes. The deal received Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval in July 2025 and New York Public Service Commission clearance shortly thereafter, with closure anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2025 pending U.S. Department of Justice review and other conditions. Until completed, ownership remains with the ECP-led group, which has guided strategic expansions in natural gas and geothermal assets. Calpine's financial structure emphasizes to fund capital-intensive power projects, with consolidated gross projected at 4.0x–4.5x EBITDA for 2024–2026, reflecting stable operations amid volatile markets. holds approximately $12.7 billion in net as of early 2025, comprising senior secured facilities, term loans, and unsecured notes issued to institutional investors. Post-2018 , Calpine reduced total by over $1.6 billion through 2020 while generating operational cash flows exceeding $350 million for investments, maintaining investment-grade ratings on first-lien at 'BB+' and supporting ongoing via a $1.8 billion facility extended into 2025. This -heavy profile aligns with norms, prioritizing asset-backed financing over equity dilution in a private ownership context.

Leadership and Corporate Governance

Andrew Novotny serves as President and of Calpine Corporation, assuming the CEO role on October 1, 2024, while also joining the . Novotny, who joined the company in 2012, previously held the position of President since May 2023, expanding from his earlier role as . Thad Hill transitioned to Executive Chairman of the Board in October 2024, following his tenure as CEO, President, and . Hill's emphasized and strategic growth in independent power production. As a owned by a consortium of investors led by Energy Capital Partners, with participation from and others, Calpine's is directed by a representing interests. The board oversees key decisions on strategy, , and , with Hill as Executive Chairman and Novotny as a . Detailed public disclosures on board composition and committee structures are limited due to the company's private status, distinguishing it from publicly traded peers subject to extensive reporting.

Business Operations

Power Generation Portfolio

Calpine's power generation portfolio encompasses 79 operational facilities with a combined capacity of approximately 27,000 megawatts (MW), enabling the supply of electricity to around 27 million homes. The portfolio emphasizes natural gas-fired plants and geothermal resources, establishing Calpine as the United States' leading producer of power from these sources in competitive wholesale markets across 22 states and Canada. While the majority derives from fossil fuels, geothermal and emerging storage technologies contribute to a mix focused on reliability, efficiency, and baseload generation. Natural gas-fired assets dominate, providing over 26,000 MW through a fleet of combined-cycle (CCGT) plants, peakers, and facilities equipped with high-efficiency F-class turbines. These plants, often located in high-demand regions like , , and the , support flexible dispatch to meet peak loads and integrate with grid needs, leveraging technologies that achieve low emissions relative to older or units. setups, such as those recovering for industrial use, enhance overall efficiency. Geothermal generation, totaling 725 MW, operates exclusively at complex in , where Calpine owns and manages 13 of the 15 plants in this dry-steam field—the world's largest production site. These facilities harness from subsurface to drive turbines, delivering baseload with minimal environmental footprint and capacity factors exceeding 90% under optimal conditions. Recent enhancements, including a 2025 drilling project adding 7 MW, underscore ongoing efforts to sustain output amid reservoir depletion challenges historically addressed through reinjection and . Battery energy storage supplements the portfolio with operational capacities such as 80 MW at the co-located facilities and the 680 MW/2,720 MWh project, which supports stability through four-hour discharge capabilities equivalent to powering 680,000 homes briefly. Limited assets, including the Vineland Solar Energy Center, add minor renewable diversification, while carbon capture initiatives at select sites aim to reduce emissions further. Overall, the portfolio prioritizes dispatchable, low-cost generation suited to market dynamics, with comprising about 96% of capacity as of mid-2025.

Retail and Wholesale Services

Calpine engages in both and wholesale energy services, leveraging its assets to supply and related products to end-users and intermediaries. Its operations focus on deregulated markets, providing customized plans, renewable integration, and to residential, , , and municipal customers. Wholesale activities involve selling into competitive markets, including , ancillary services, and tailored contracts to utilities and large buyers. In retail services, Calpine operates through three primary subsidiaries. Champion Energy Services targets residential and small commercial customers in , the Northeast, and Midwest, offering fixed-rate plans with transparent billing and no hidden fees; it has earned recognition from for customer satisfaction and holds high ratings from Texas Electricity Ratings and the . Calpine Energy Solutions serves large commercial, industrial, and institutional clients across all deregulated U.S. states, positioning itself as one of North America's largest suppliers by volume; it emphasizes procurement—claiming to be the top U.S. buyer of renewables and environmental attributes for over 20 years—and holds ISO 9001:2015 for quality, utilizing tools like PowerFolio3D for and carbon strategy. Calpine Community Energy specializes in municipal aggregation programs, managing procurement and data for community power agencies nationwide, making it the largest such provider in the U.S. Wholesale services are managed by dedicated commercial teams that optimize Calpine's fleet dispatch for reliability and efficiency, selling physical and financial products such as , , , renewable balancing, and ancillary services to utilities, cooperatives, providers, marketers, and manufacturers. These teams participate in regional wholesale markets, including PJM, ERCOT, and CAISO, using flexible natural gas-fired assets to counterbalance intermittent renewables like and . Contracts vary in duration and structure to meet buyer needs, supported by the company's efficient combined-cycle plants and access to low-cost . Through these operations, Calpine serves wholesale customers in multiple regions, contributing to grid stability amid growing demand.

Geographic Footprint and Market Presence

Calpine maintains a significant presence in North America's competitive wholesale and retail markets, operating 79 power generation facilities across 22 U.S. states and with a combined capacity of more than 27,000 megawatts as of mid-2024. The company's assets are strategically located in deregulated markets managed by regional transmission organizations (RTOs) and independent system operators (ISOs), including ERCOT in , CAISO in , , and , enabling participation in high-demand areas with growing needs driven by data centers and industrialization. This footprint supports to meet peak loads and provides ancillary services for grid reliability. In , Calpine holds approximately 10 gigawatts of capacity, representing a core market where it operates as the state's largest retail provider through subsidiaries like Champion Energy Services, serving commercial, industrial, and residential customers. hosts another major concentration, with around 8 gigawatts including the nation's largest geothermal portfolio at field, which supplies baseload renewable power equivalent to over 725,000 homes annually. The Eastern U.S. and feature 29 facilities spanning 12 states, primarily efficient combined-cycle plants integrated into PJM and other grids, contributing another roughly 10 gigawatts focused on flexible, low-emission output. Calpine's retail operations, via Calpine Energy Solutions and Champion Energy, extend market presence to customers in 22 states, Canada, and parts of Mexico, emphasizing competitive pricing in deregulated regions such as the Northeast, Midwest, and Texas. This dual wholesale-retail model enhances revenue diversification, with retail serving over 243,000 customers as of early 2025, while wholesale activities leverage the fleet's efficiency to compete in spot and forward markets. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company supports these operations from 13 offices across North America, prioritizing regions with abundant natural gas supply and transmission infrastructure.

Major Facilities

Geothermal Assets

Calpine Corporation owns and operates 13 geothermal power plants at , the world's largest geothermal field located in Lake and Sonoma counties of , spanning approximately 45 square miles. This complex utilizes dry steam from over 350 production wells to generate , providing baseload renewable with a net capacity of about 725 megawatts, sufficient to serve roughly 725,000 homes continuously. As the largest producer in the United States, Calpine's operations at account for a significant portion of California's geothermal output, emphasizing reliable, low-emission energy from natural steam reservoirs estimated at 60 cubic miles in volume. The facilities employ flash steam technology, where drives turbines without the need for water injection in , though treated from nearby municipalities has been reinjected since the to sustain reservoir pressure and enhance long-term productivity. Calpine's portfolio includes plants such as the Sonoma units, contributing to the field's overall output of clean energy that avoids the intermittency issues of or . In , Calpine secured a 100-megawatt long-term contract to supply the (SMUD) from , supporting regional decarbonization goals. Recent enhancements include a 25-megawatt system expansion completed in 2025, tapping additional steam resources to boost capacity, and a 7-megawatt addition under agreement with the Marin Clean Energy authority, effective 2025, to power over 15,000 households annually. These developments underscore Calpine's focus on incremental growth at , where ongoing monitoring and resource management maintain output stability despite historical production declines from peak levels in the and . No other geothermal assets are operated by Calpine outside this field.

Natural Gas-Fired Plants

Calpine's -fired power plants form the core of its generation portfolio, providing the majority of its approximately 26,000 MW capacity dedicated to as of January 2025. These facilities primarily utilize advanced combined-cycle (CCGT) technology for efficient baseload and intermediate generation, alongside simple-cycle units serving as flexible peakers to respond to and grid variability. The fleet emphasizes high-efficiency F-class turbines, enabling lower fuel consumption and emissions compared to older designs, while supporting dispatchable power essential for grid stability in renewable-heavy markets. As of June 30, 2025, the natural gas assets delivered 16,860 MW of net baseload capacity and 19,481 MW of net peaking capacity, distributed across major U.S. interconnections. In the West (WECC), facilities total 5,904 MW baseload and 6,702 MW peaking, concentrated in California with plants like the Delta Energy Center (860 MW CCGT in Antioch) and Pastoria Energy Facility (780 MW CCGT in Lebec). Texas (TRE) hosts the largest share, with 8,231 MW baseload and 8,688 MW peaking, including the Deer Park Energy Center (1,116 MW cogeneration in Deer Park) and Guadalupe Energy Center (1,049 MW CCGT in San Antonio). Eastern markets (RFC, NPCC, SERC) contribute 2,725 MW baseload and 4,091 MW peaking, featuring assets such as the Bethlehem Energy Center (960 MW CCGT in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) and Fore River Energy Center (750 MW CCGT in Weymouth, Massachusetts). Cogeneration plants, which capture waste heat for industrial steam production, represent a subset of the portfolio, enhancing overall efficiency; examples include the Los Medanos Energy Center (518 MW in Pittsburg, California) and Baytown Energy Center (810 MW in Baytown, Texas). These facilities operate in competitive wholesale markets, optimizing output based on real-time pricing and demand signals to maximize economic dispatch. Ongoing expansions underscore Calpine's focus on capacity growth in high-load areas; for instance, the Pin Oak Creek Energy Center (425 MW CCGT) in , remains under construction adjacent to the existing Freestone Energy Center, with state approval for related financing secured in October 2025. Additionally, the Thad Hill Energy Center (770 MW CCGT in ) supports dedicated loads like data centers, reflecting adaptation to emerging demands.

Historical Development

Inception and Early Expansion (1984–1999)

Calpine Corporation was founded in June 1984 in , by Peter Cartwright, a former executive at Gibbs & Hill, along with colleagues Ann Curtis and John Rocchio, who became vice presidents. The company received initial backing from Electrowatt Ltd., a Swiss engineering firm, and Guy F. Atkinson Construction Company, with starting capital of $1 million. Initially operating as a provider of , and maintenance services to independent power producers, including construction of power plants, Calpine achieved its first profit in 1986 and began power production in 1988. The firm focused on the emerging independent power sector amid regulatory changes like the U.S. of 1978, which encouraged non-utility generation. By 1989, Calpine shifted strategy toward owning and operating its own facilities, acquiring its first 1 MW of geothermal capacity at in , marking entry into direct power generation. Expansion accelerated in the early , with generating capacity growing to approximately 297 MW across four plants by 1992, supported by revenue of about $40 million. Between 1992 and 1997, the company developed or acquired 13 facilities and two , boosting capacity to 1,981 MW, while assets expanded from $55 million to $1.4 billion and revenue reached $276.3 million in 1997. This period emphasized efficient, gas-fired plants, which comprised about 90% of capacity, alongside geothermal assets for baseload reliability. The mid-1990s saw further , including the 1996 acquisition of independence from Electrowatt and an that raised $82 million—the largest for an independent power company at the time—enabling orders for 46 gas-fired turbines from . In 1997, Calpine purchased the Montis Niger fields and pipelines in California's to secure fuel supplies, though debt climbed to $855 million amid aggressive growth. By 1999, the company had expanded to 44 plants with 4,273 MW of capacity, acquired Sheridan Energy for gas exploration assets in , and purchased PG&E's facilities, positioning Calpine as the world's largest geothermal producer; it also secured a $1 billion revolving credit facility from over 20 banks to fund ongoing development. Revenue for the year hit $847.7 million, driven by in states like and a strategy targeting 25,000 MW by 2004.

Aggressive Growth and Market Challenges (2000–2005)

In the early 2000s, Calpine accelerated its expansion strategy amid electricity market deregulation and the energy crisis, focusing on acquiring and constructing natural gas-fired power plants to meet rising demand. By , the company operated 58 facilities generating 3,355 megawatts (MW) of capacity. In , Calpine completed a merger with Encal Energy Ltd., acquiring substantial natural gas reserves in to hedge fuel costs, and purchased the 600 MW Otay Mesa Generating Project in San Diego County from PG&E National Energy Group. The firm targeted 70,000 MW of total capacity by the end of , incorporating 10,000 MW of peaking plants and 5,000 MW from acquisitions alongside organic development. This period saw a flurry of deals and projects that nearly doubled Calpine's plant portfolio, leveraging high power prices and favorable financing conditions. Financing this growth relied heavily on issuance, with obligations swelling as the company issued billions in bonds and loans to fund and purchases. reached approximately $17 billion by late 2005, accompanied by annual interest payments exceeding $1.5 billion. agencies downgraded Calpine to status in 2002, sharply raising borrowing costs and limiting access to capital markets. The strategy included hedging up to half of fuel needs through reserves, but this faltered as spiked in mid-2005. Market conditions deteriorated post-2001 , with merchant power prices collapsing due to oversupply and reduced trading activity, squeezing revenues from Calpine's wholesale sales model. Deregulation failed to deliver sustained high prices, while fuel cost volatility eroded profitability. Liquidity strained amid creditor disputes over fuel hedging funds, leading CEO Peter Cartwright to resign in September 2005. On December 20, 2005, Calpine filed for Chapter 11 protection, burdened by $22 billion in debt and $26.6 billion in assets, ranking as the eighth-largest U.S. at the time and the largest in the energy sector. The filing reflected the unsustainability of leveraged expansion in volatile, post-crisis markets, where overbuilt capacity met declining wholesale demand.

Bankruptcy, Restructuring, and Emergence (2005–2008)

Calpine Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on December 20, 2005, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, listing assets of $26.6 billion against liabilities exceeding $22 billion, marking it as the ninth-largest U.S. bankruptcy filing by assets at the time. The filing stemmed from the company's aggressive expansion in the early , which amassed approximately $18 billion in consolidated debt through project financing and acquisitions amid a deregulated boom, followed by adverse conditions including spiking that outpaced electricity revenues in key merchant markets, reduced liquidity post-Enron scandal, and overbuilt capacity in a contracting wholesale power sector. This led to a staggering $9.94 billion net loss for 2005, exacerbating covenant breaches and creditor pressures. During the proceedings, Calpine faced protracted disputes with creditors over cash usage, secured priorities, and asset valuations, including litigation involving third-lien on subsidiaries like CalGen. The company continued operations as a debtor-in-possession, preserving its power generation portfolio while negotiating a plan that aimed to reduce by converting holdings to equity and securing new financing. Claims against the estate ultimately exceeded $17.4 billion, prompting complex settlements among bondholders, banks, and project lenders. By late 2007, a reorganization plan was formulated, addressing objections and valuing the reorganized entity to facilitate emergence. Calpine emerged from on February 1, 2008, after U.S. Stuart M. confirmed the plan on December 19, 2007, and the company closed a $7.3 billion exit financing facility, including debtor-in-possession rollovers and new term loans. This restructuring slashed pre-petition debt, distributed new to creditors, and positioned Calpine as a leaner operator focused on its core model, with trading resuming under the ticker CPN on the NYSE shortly thereafter. The process, spanning over two years, preserved all major facilities without significant divestitures, enabling operational continuity amid stabilizing energy markets.

Consolidation and Operational Focus (2008–2020)

Calpine emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on January 31, 2008, after reducing its debt by approximately $7 billion and achieving an enterprise value of $18.95 billion under a court-confirmed reorganization plan. The restructured entity issued 485 million shares of new common stock to creditors and resumed trading on the under the ticker CPN, retaining a core portfolio of -fired and geothermal assets with a net generating capacity of 23,973 megawatts, of which all but 715 megawatts derived from . Leadership under CEO Jack Fusco shifted emphasis from prior aggressive expansion to operational stability, implementing cost controls that included eliminating 1,100 positions and shuttering 19 offices to streamline structure and enhance efficiency. Operational priorities centered on optimizing the fleet, which included the nation's largest collection of industrial gas turbines for converting natural gas to electricity and the dominant baseload geothermal operations at The Geysers complex in California. In its first full post-bankruptcy year, Calpine generated over 89 million megawatt-hours, supported by targeted plant upgrades and efficiency initiatives that bolstered reliability and output. The company pursued environmental enhancements, such as converting two coal-fired facilities to natural gas, while securing revenue stability through long-term contracts, including a 20-year power purchase agreement with Xcel Energy in 2015 for up to 345 megawatts from the expanded Mankato Energy Center. Consolidation efforts involved selective portfolio adjustments to divest non-core assets and reinforce market positioning. In , Calpine acquired Conectiv Energy's assets, incorporating 19 facilities across five states to diversify geographic presence and optimize fleet composition without overextending financially. By , it executed divestitures of underperforming holdings, enabling investments in capacity expansions and operational refinements that improved overall efficiencies. These measures culminated in March 2018, when Calpine transitioned to private ownership via a $17 billion led by Energy Capital Partners, , and , freeing the company from public reporting demands to prioritize sustained wholesale generation and through 2020.

Recent Strategic Initiatives (2021–present)

In response to rising electricity demand, particularly from s, Calpine announced the Thad Hill Energy Center on July 30, 2025, in partnership with to provide up to 400 megawatts of dedicated power capacity in the , supporting hyperscale development with an emphasis on reliability and features like . Earlier, on August 22, 2024, Calpine accelerated its development program in the region to expand natural gas-fired generation capacity amid growing load requirements. Calpine advanced (CCS) efforts through the Sutter Decarbonization Project at its Sutter Energy Center in , announced December 14, 2023, aiming to capture up to 1.75 million metric tons of CO2 annually for permanent sequestration, representing 95% of the plant's emissions to enable dispatchable low-carbon power production. The project secured a cost-sharing agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy in August 2024, including $8.6 million in federal funding, utilizing ION Clean Energy's technology. On April 23, 2025, Calpine signed an agreement with for CO2 transportation and storage to support a separate ~500-megawatt low-carbon power generation project, sufficient to power over 500,000 homes. Ongoing development includes the Pin Oak Creek Energy Center, a natural gas-fired facility funded by a October 14, 2025, loan announcement to bolster grid capacity amid AI-driven demand, and the Pastoria Solar Project to diversify renewables. Calpine's 2021 Sustainability Report outlined commitments to emissions reductions via efficient and use (32 million gallons daily across facilities), with advocacy for market-based policies to transition power generation. A pivotal strategic shift occurred with Constellation Energy's January 10, 2025, announcement to acquire Calpine for $16.4 billion in stock and cash, aiming to form the U.S.'s largest clean energy provider by combining fleets; approvals included FERC in July 2025 and NYPSC in July 2025, with closure expected in Q4 2025 pending DOJ review. This deal, driven by surging power needs from and centers, enhances Calpine's asset integration into a broader low-emissions platform despite environmental group challenges.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Fuel Mix and Emissions Profile

Calpine's electricity generation portfolio is dominated by natural gas-fired power plants, which accounted for approximately 97% of its total installed capacity of 26,579 MW in 2023, encompassing combined-cycle non-cogeneration (66%, or 17,448 MW), combined-cycle (22%, or 5,957 MW), and simple-cycle/other facilities (9%, or 2,635 MW). The remaining 3% (809 MW) consists of renewable sources, primarily from the 19 plants at complex in , with a net capacity of 725 MW, and minor battery storage. This fuel mix reflects Calpine's focus on dispatchable for baseload and peaking power, supplemented by geothermal for continuous, low-variable-cost renewable output equivalent to powering about 725,000 homes. The company's emissions profile is correspondingly weighted toward greenhouse gases from , with 1 GHG emissions reaching 48,915,527 metric tons of CO2e in 2023, driven by the of approximately 118 million MWh of net generation. Emissions intensity stood at 411 kg CO2e per MWh net, reflecting efficient plant operations but still substantial due to the predominance; geothermal assets contribute negligible CO2, , and emissions as they rely on steam from natural reservoirs without burning. Calpine's fleet achieves lower-than-average intensity—around 360 kg CO2e per MWh gross—compared to the U.S. fleet average of 410 kg CO2e per MWh, attributable to modern combined-cycle technology that captures for additional . All 1 emissions fall under reporting regulations, with 29% subject to emissions-limiting rules.

Geothermal Contributions and Reliability

Calpine Corporation operates 13 geothermal power plants at , the world's largest geothermal complex located in the of , spanning Sonoma and Lake counties. These facilities represent approximately 725 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity, accounting for about 50% of California's in-state generation. The Geysers complex draws steam from over 350 production wells, some exceeding two miles in depth, to drive turbines for production. In 2024, Calpine's plants generated 5,471,562 net megawatt-hours of , sufficient to approximately 725,000 homes—equivalent to the energy needs of a city the size of . This output underscores Calpine's significant contribution to supply, providing a steady source of baseload that supports California's clean energy goals and reduces dependence on fossil fuels. As America's largest geothermal operator, Calpine has sustained operations at since acquiring assets in the early 2000s, enhancing resource management through practices like injecting 13 million gallons of recycled municipal water daily to replenish steam reservoirs. Geothermal power from The Geysers offers high reliability, operating continuously as baseload generation with minimal downtime. In 2024, the plants achieved an average unit availability of 93.66%, reflecting robust performance and capacity factors typical of geothermal resources, often exceeding 90%. Unlike intermittent renewables such as solar or wind, geothermal provides dispatchable, 24/7 power that bolsters grid stability, with The Geysers facilities delivering reliable low-carbon electricity for over 60 years since the first commercial plant in 1960. This dependability has been critical in maintaining energy security, particularly during peak demand periods, without the variability challenges of weather-dependent sources.

Carbon Capture and Emission Reduction Efforts

Calpine has developed carbon capture and sequestration () projects targeting emissions from its combined-cycle plants, aiming to capture up to 95% of CO2 output through post-combustion technology. These efforts include and design (FEED) studies and demonstration initiatives selected for U.S. Department of Energy () funding, though some awards were later canceled amid policy shifts. The Baytown Decarbonization Project at the Baytown Energy Center in seeks to capture approximately 2 million metric tons of CO2 annually from two of three turbines, enabling of about 500 megawatts of sufficient for over 500,000 homes. Initially selected by the 's Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations in December 2023 for advancement, the project progressed to a CO2 transportation and storage agreement with in April 2025, but federal funding was canceled in May 2025 as part of broader DOE grant terminations totaling $3.7 billion. Similarly, the Sutter Decarbonization Project at the Sutter Energy Center in targets capture of up to 1.75 million metric tons of CO2 per year, or 95% of emissions, to maintain reliable dispatchable power while meeting reduction goals. Announced with a cost-sharing agreement in August 2024 for full-scale demonstration, this initiative faced the same funding cancellation in May 2025. Calpine has also conducted FEED studies for at other facilities, such as the Deer Park Energy Center, evaluating modular systems for 95% capture rates. Beyond CCS, Calpine implements operational measures to lower emissions intensity, including proprietary procedures that minimize consumption and air emissions per megawatt-hour generated across its fleet. The company advocates for policies reducing upstream from production and has secured voluntary limits in air permits, as at the Russell City Energy Center. These efforts align with broader emphasizing CCUS deployment, though commercial-scale implementation remains contingent on technological maturation and incentives.

Controversies and Criticisms

Financial Instability and Debt Issues

Calpine's rapid expansion in the late and early , fueled by in energy markets, resulted in substantial accumulation as the company financed numerous natural gas-fired power plant constructions. By 2005, this strategy left Calpine with approximately $22.5 billion in liabilities, exacerbated by declining , the aftermath of the California energy crisis, and broader market volatility following the . The firm's high , with significant portions of maturing soon after, strained and operational flexibility, prompting downgrades and creditor disputes over asset valuations. On December 20, 2005, Calpine filed for Chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, citing an unsustainable burden of over $17 billion amid ongoing legal battles with lenders regarding cash collateral usage. The filing preserved operations while allowing rejection of underperforming contracts and asset sales, but it highlighted criticisms of management's overreliance on -financed growth without sufficient hedging against commodity price swings. During proceedings, Calpine secured a $5 billion facility to maintain business continuity. The process, spanning over two years, involved negotiations, divestitures, and debt-for-equity swaps, ultimately reducing obligations by about $7.2 billion. Calpine emerged from on January 31, 2008, with a reorganized including $7.3 billion in exit financing, positioning it as a leaner entity focused on core generation assets. Post-emergence, the company maintained lower leverage ratios, avoiding similar distress in subsequent years, though historical analyses attribute the episode to systemic risks in leveraged energy investments during market liberalization.

Regulatory Disputes and Contract Challenges

During its 2005 bankruptcy proceedings, Calpine sought to reject multiple long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs), including four contracts with the Department of Water Resources (CDWR) valued at approximately $11.7 billion, which had been executed during the 2001 energy crisis when wholesale prices were low. These agreements obligated Calpine to supply power at fixed rates that became uneconomical after market prices surged post-crisis, prompting Calpine to argue the contracts were executory burdens under Section 365, potentially costing $1.1 million daily in 2006 if enforced. state parties, including the Attorney General, opposed rejection, petitioning FERC to enforce the PPAs to prevent electricity supply disruptions for utilities and customers, asserting FERC's over wholesale rates under the Federal Power Act. The dispute escalated into a jurisdictional between bankruptcy courts and FERC, with Calpine advocating for bankruptcy primacy to reject FERC-jurisdictional PPAs as ordinary contracts, while opponents argued FERC approval was required to avoid undermining filed rates and market stability. In 2008, a appeals court ruled that FERC could not block Calpine's rejection, affirming bankruptcy courts' authority and allowing Calpine to exit the contracts, though subsequent settlements with revised terms to facilitate emergence from . This influenced later cases, such as FirstEnergy's 2018 PPA rejections, but highlighted tensions in reconciling bankruptcy reorganization with . Beyond bankruptcy, Calpine engaged in multiple challenges to FERC orders on capacity markets and transmission rules. In Calpine Corp. v. FERC (D.C. Cir. 2012), Calpine contested FERC's approval of state regulations on "trapped energy" in PJM Interconnection, arguing federal preemption where state rules conflicted with interstate wholesale markets by limiting generators' ability to sell excess output. The court remanded for FERC to reassess, leading to a 2020 order on remand directing PJM adjustments, though Commissioner Glick dissented, criticizing FERC's minimal intervention in state policies. Similarly, in 2012's Calpine Corp. v. Cogeneration Association of California, Calpine challenged FERC's netting interval policies for qualifying facilities (QFs), prevailing on remand that FERC must align hourly netting with PURPA payment calculations to prevent overcompensation. In enforcement matters, FERC investigated Calpine in Docket No. IN17-1-000 for potential violations of anti-manipulation rules and reporting requirements under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, culminating in a November 2019 settlement where Calpine agreed to pay a $6 million civil penalty without admitting liability, waiving further rehearing. Calpine also litigated state-level regulatory decisions, such as in Calpine Energy Solutions LLC v. PUC (Ore. Ct. App. 2019), challenging the Oregon Public Utility Commission's allocation of power costs to direct-access customers, but the court upheld the PUC's methodology as consistent with statutory exemptions for non-utility generators. These cases underscore Calpine's pattern of contesting regulations perceived to constrain operational flexibility or impose undue costs.

Environmental Opposition and Acquisition Concerns

Calpine has encountered environmental opposition primarily related to its natural s and geothermal developments perceived to impact sacred or sensitive lands. In 2018, the , through a native-led nonprofit, challenged Calpine's proposed in on sacred lands, leading Calpine to suspend its application amid heavy opposition and shifts in energy market dynamics. Similarly, in the Medicine Lake Highlands of , a 2019 federal court decision voided several geothermal leases held by Calpine, ruling that the U.S. failed to adequately consult with tribes and assess cultural impacts, thereby halting development on lands sacred to Native American groups. Earlier, in 2015, Calpine faced resistance from Native American tribes to its geothermal expansion plans due to concerns over effects on , cultural sites, and ecosystems in . Opposition has also targeted specific natural gas facilities, such as the Russell City Energy Center in . Following a 2021 explosion and fire at the plant, the City of Hayward announced its intent to oppose Calpine's application to restart operations, citing safety and air quality risks from resuming use instead of cleaner alternatives. Local activists had previously contested the plant's air quality permits in 2010, arguing that emissions would exacerbate regional despite Calpine's efficiency claims. In another case, the Santa Teresa Citizen Action Group sued Calpine in the early over a proposed power plant, alleging inadequate environmental review under law, though the litigation ultimately affirmed state regulatory approvals. Acquisition concerns have intensified in recent years, particularly with Constellation Energy's $26.6 billion proposed purchase of Calpine announced on January 10, 2025. Environmental groups, including and , intervened at the (FERC), warning that the merger of Constellation's nuclear-heavy portfolio with Calpine's predominantly fleet—responsible for significant —could consolidate , reduce incentives for cleaner energy transitions, and potentially increase overall through diminished and reliability risks. Critics argued the deal might prioritize gas-fired generation to meet rising demand from centers, undermining goals, though Constellation countered that it would enhance clean energy production capacity without harming markets. FERC approved the acquisition on July 24, 2025, conditional on Calpine divesting certain assets to address concerns, but environmental advocates maintained that risks from expanded gas reliance persisted.

References

  1. [1]
    Calpine: America's Premier Competitive Power Company
    Calpine Corporation is America's premier privately held competitive power company committed to fulfilling America's power needs today – and tomorrow.Careers · Who We Are · Our Assets · Investors
  2. [2]
    Who We Are - Calpine
    As America's largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources, Calpine is leveraging its deep expertise and geographic diversity to ...Our Story · Values · Safety
  3. [3]
    Powering America - Calpine
    With 79 energy facilities in operation, Calpine's fleet has the capacity to generate approximately 27,000 MW of electricity – enough to power approximately 27 ...
  4. [4]
    Powering America - Calpine
    Our fleet of more than 79 operating assets is uniquely positioned to fulfill the U.S.'s power needs by combining efficiency and experience with ingenuity.
  5. [5]
    Calpine - Companies History
    Jan 18, 2024 · Calpine, founded in 1984, is a power producer. It became the world's largest geothermal provider in 1999, filed for bankruptcy in 2005, and ...
  6. [6]
    A short history of Calpine - The Mercury News
    Feb 6, 2008 · 1984 – Calpine founded in San Jose. 1989 – Bought first geothermal plant at the Geysers; today owns 19 plants there. 1996 – Calpine goes public.
  7. [7]
    Troubled Calpine Files Bankruptcy - The New York Times
    Dec 21, 2005 · Calpine is the fourth major electricity producer to seek bankruptcy protection since the December 2001 collapse of the Enron Corporation. The ...
  8. [8]
    Calpine Bankruptcy Filing Came as It Amassed $10-Billion '05 Loss
    May 20, 2006 · Calpine Corp. lost almost $10 billion in 2005 as it filed for US Bankruptcy Court protection, the company said Friday.
  9. [9]
    Our Story - Calpine
    We emerged in 2008 as a new company with strong leadership and a goal of becoming America's premier energy company, a goal we've proudly achieved. 2010 ...
  10. [10]
    Our Assets - Calpine
    We are the nation's largest producer of geothermal power, providing clean, sustainable, renewable energy that can power over 725,000 homes. Learn more → ...
  11. [11]
    Calpine Ramps Up Investment in Texas Grid with Quail Run ...
    Oct 2, 2024 · Calpine Corporation is America's largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources with operations in competitive power ...<|separator|>
  12. [12]
    Calpine's Troubles Rooted in Power Crisis - Los Angeles Times
    Dec 19, 2005 · Calpine's problems are deeply rooted in the power crisis. For years after Cartwright founded the company in 1984, it focused on generating renewable energy.Missing: Corporation achievements controversies
  13. [13]
    Our Retail Companies - Calpine
    Calpine Energy Solutions, LLC, is a licensed retail energy provider in every deregulated state and one of the largest energy suppliers in North America.
  14. [14]
    Calpine Corporation | Encyclopedia.com
    Calpine was founded by three executives from the San Jose, California, office of New York-based Gibbs & Hill, Inc., an environmental engineering firm ...
  15. [15]
    What is Brief History of Calpine Company? - Matrix BCG
    Sep 24, 2025 · Calpine was established in 1984 in Silicon Valley by Peter Cartwright. The company's name is a combination of its California roots and the Swiss ...
  16. [16]
    Calpine - Products, Competitors, Financials, Employees ...
    When was Calpine founded? Calpine was founded in 1984. · Where is Calpine's headquarters? Calpine's headquarters is located at 717 Texas Avenue, Houston. · What ...
  17. [17]
    Calpine Corp - Company Profile and News - Bloomberg Markets
    ADDRESS. 717 Texas Avenue Suite 1000 Houston, TX 77002 United States. WEBSITE. www.calpine.com. NO. OF EMPLOYEES. --. Executives. Name/Title. W Thaddaeus Miller ...<|separator|>
  18. [18]
    Calpine - Overview, News & Similar companies | ZoomInfo.com
    Where is Calpine located? Calpine's headquarters are located at 717 Texas St Ste 1000, Houston, Texas, 77002, United States ; What is Calpine's phone number?
  19. [19]
    Calpine | Energy Capital Partners I ECP
    ECP completed the $17 billion take-private of Calpine in August 2017. ECP's investment in Calpine Corporation is one of America's largest generators of ...
  20. [20]
    CPP Investments to Sell Stake in Calpine Corporation
    CPP Investments holds a 15.75% ownership position in Calpine through a co-investment made alongside Energy Capital Partners (ECP) and Access Industries in 2018.Missing: current | Show results with:current
  21. [21]
    Constellation to Acquire Calpine; Creates America's Leading ...
    Jan 10, 2025 · Constellation to acquire Calpine in stock and cash. Joins best-in-class customer platforms, providing opportunities to better serve customers.
  22. [22]
    FERC approves $16.4B Constellation-Calpine deal - Utility Dive
    Jul 24, 2025 · The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on July 23, 2025, approved Constellation's plan to buy Calpine from Energy Capital Partners. Chip ...
  23. [23]
    NYPSC Approves Constellation Energy's Acquisition of Calpine ...
    Jul 28, 2025 · ... to be finalized in Q4 2025, subject to clearances from the Department of Justice and the Federal […]
  24. [24]
    Fitch Affirms Calpine's IDR at 'B+'; Outlook Stable
    Dec 3, 2024 · Calpine's 2024-2026 forecast leverage, measured as consolidated gross debt/EBITDA, is projected to be around 4.0x-4.5x. This is modestly higher ...
  25. [25]
    Annual Report - SEC.gov
    Since the beginning of 2017 through the end of January 2020, we have reduced our total debt by approximately $1.6 billion and funded approximately $350 million ...
  26. [26]
    Constellation Energy Generation LLC Makes All-Sto - S&P Global
    Jan 10, 2025 · The transaction includes the assumption of about $12.7 billion of Calpine's debt. Transaction terms include total equity consideration of ...
  27. [27]
    Andrew Novotny Takes the Helm as Calpine's New CEO
    Oct 1, 2024 · Andrew Novotny has formally stepped into his new role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Calpine Corporation (Calpine), one of America's largest integrated ...
  28. [28]
    Andrew Novotny - Calpine
    Andrew Novotny became Calpine's Chief Executive Officer and a member of its Board of Directors in October 2024 and also has served as President of Calpine ...
  29. [29]
    Andrew Novotny Takes the Helm as Calpine's New CEO
    Oct 1, 2024 · Novotny joined Calpine in 2012 and has served as Calpine's President since May 2023, when he expanded the role he held as the Company's Chief ...
  30. [30]
    Leading the Charge - Calpine
    Calpine's senior leaders have the strategic vision and demonstrated operational, financial and commercial expertise to continue to grow Calpine.
  31. [31]
    Thad Hill - Calpine
    Thad Hill is the Executive Chairman of the Board at Calpine, becoming the role in October 2024. He was previously CEO, President, and COO.Missing: corporate governance
  32. [32]
    Investors - Calpine
    Debt Investor Login. Calpine provides an access-restricted portal for current and prospective investors, as well as certain securities analysts. If you meet ...Debt Registration · Debt Terms of Use · Energy Capital PartnersMissing: structure | Show results with:structure
  33. [33]
    Leadership Archive - Calpine
    Thad Hill, Executive Chairman of the Board, Andrew Novotny, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mike Del Casale, Executive Vice President, Power Operations.Andrew Novotny · Rick Peña · Thad Hill · Alex MaklerMissing: governance | Show results with:governance
  34. [34]
    Why Calpine? Constellation's Blockbuster Deal Tied to Soaring ...
    Jan 13, 2025 · Constellation has about 10 GW of natural gas capacity. Calpine owns nearly 28 GW of generation capacity, with 26 GW in natural gas alone.Missing: total | Show results with:total
  35. [35]
    Geothermal - Calpine
    Calpine operates The Geysers, the largest complex of geothermal energy facilities in the world. At The Geysers, dry or superheated steam provides about 50 ...Missing: gas | Show results with:gas
  36. [36]
    [PDF] Table of Operating Power Plants and Projects Under Construction ...
    During June 2025, we achieved steam flow on the drilling project which resulted in an incremental 7 MW's of generation capacity starting in June 2025. The ...
  37. [37]
    Santa Ana Battery Storage Project - Calpine
    In Santa Ana, California our portfolio includes 3 co-located battery storage facilities – Santa Ana 1, 2 and 3 – with 80 MW of battery storage capacity.
  38. [38]
    Nova Battery Storage Projects - Calpine
    680 MW/ 2,720 MWh (4-hour duration); Five-phased project; Capable of powering 680,000 homes for up to 4 hours; Stretches over 43 acres with about 1,200 battery ...Missing: capacity | Show results with:capacity
  39. [39]
    Commercial Operations - Calpine
    Our Commercial Operations teams maximize the value of our fleet while efficiently and economically dispatching generation assets to meet our customers' needs.
  40. [40]
    Calpine Energy Solutions - Home
    Calpine Energy Solutions, LLC, is a licensed retail energy provider in every deregulated state and one of the largest energy suppliers in North America.Careers · Office Locations · Contact Us · Calpine Client Portal
  41. [41]
    [PDF] SUSTAINABILITY REPORT - Calpine
    Calpine is America's premier competitive power company. We own and operate primarily natural-gas fired and geothermal power plants in North America and have a.
  42. [42]
    Description of Calpine's Business Segments - CSI Market
    - Comprehensive Coverage: The company holds the distinction of being the largest retail electricity provider in Texas and has a presence in 14 other states, ...
  43. [43]
    Calpine Corporation - KeyfactsEnergy
    Calpine's 29 operating plants in our East Region span 12 U.S. states and Canada. Most of the power Calpine generates in the region comes from highly ...
  44. [44]
    Calpine | LinkedIn
    Calpine Corporation is America's largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources with operations in competitive power markets.
  45. [45]
    About The Geysers
    Calpine is proud to own and operate 13 geothermal plants within the 45-square-mile complex, representing approximately 725 MW of electrical generation capacity ...
  46. [46]
    North Geysers Incremental Development - Calpine
    Currently, with 13 power plants in operation at The Geysers, Calpine Corporation reliably supports California with up to 725 megawatts of clean, geothermal ...
  47. [47]
    SMUD to receive 100 megawatts of geothermal power from Calpine ...
    Apr 4, 2022 · SMUD approved a 100-megawatt contract with Calpine Corporation for geothermal power from The Geysers, marking a major step forward toward the 2030 Zero Carbon ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
  48. [48]
    Bay Area homes getting jolt of clean energy with largest geothermal ...
    Aug 14, 2025 · Owner-operator Calpine recently completed a 25-megawatt expansion of its system. It taps the naturally heated steam and turns it into turbine- ...
  49. [49]
    MCE and Calpine Add More Renewable, Reliable Power from The ...
    Jun 16, 2025 · The 7 megawatts of geothermal power come from The Geysers, a 725-megawatt complex of geothermal plants in Lake and Sonoma counties owned and managed by Calpine ...
  50. [50]
    Texas Approves $278 Million for Calpine's 460-MW Natural Gas ...
    Oct 14, 2025 · Texas has approved a $278 million low-interest loan to support Calpine's 460-MW natural gas plant in Freestone County, part of the state's ...
  51. [51]
    Calpine and CyrusOne Announce Thad Hill Energy Center Powered ...
    Jul 30, 2025 · Calpine Corporation is a private corporation owned by a consortium of investors, led by Energy Capital Partners (ECP). This group also includes ...
  52. [52]
    History of Calpine Corporation – FundingUniverse
    By 1992, the company produced approximately 297 megawatts of electricity at four plants, enabling it to collect nearly $40 million in revenue for the year.
  53. [53]
    Calpine History: Founding, Timeline, and Milestones - Zippia
    In response to the news from Switzerland, Cartwright prepared Calpine for its debut as a publicly traded company, completing an initial public offering of stock ...
  54. [54]
    Energy company Calpine files for bankruptcy - NBC News
    Dec 21, 2005 · Struggling power generator Calpine Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection late Tuesday as it grapples with more than $22 billion in debt.Missing: 2000-2005 growth expansion
  55. [55]
    Calpine Takes Plunge into Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
    Dec 26, 2005 · Too much debt and over-building in a shriveled-up, post-Enron merchant energy world left Calpine with D-rated credit and a date in bankruptcy ...
  56. [56]
    Debt-Heavy Calpine Files for Chapter 11 - Los Angeles Times
    Dec 21, 2005 · After a years-long struggle to stay afloat despite a suffocating debt load, power producer Calpine Corp. filed for bankruptcy protection ...
  57. [57]
    [PDF] CALPINE CORPORATION, et al., Debtor. Chapter 11 Case Case
    May 6, 2009 · On December 20, 2005, Calpine Corporation and its affiliate debtors filed their voluntary chapter 11 bankruptcy petitions. Shortly thereafter, ...
  58. [58]
    Calpine sees bankruptcy claims exceeding $17.4 bln - NBC News
    May 19, 2006 · 28, 2005, and the company filed bankruptcy on Dec. 20. The company said it lost $9.94 billion, or $21.44 per share, in 2005. Revenue for the ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
  59. [59]
    [PDF] H:\OPINION\CALPINE DIP decision.wpd - Weil Restructuring
    Mar 5, 2007 · CalGen's third lien debt is comprised of (a) the $680,000,000 Third Priority Secured Floating Rate Notes Due. 2011 and (b) the $150,000,000 11.5 ...
  60. [60]
    Calpine Corporation, 05-60200 – CourtListener.com
    Citation: Calpine Corporation, 05-60200, (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.). Date Filed: Dec. 20, 2005. Date Terminated: April 17, 2015.Missing: debt | Show results with:debt
  61. [61]
    Shareholder protests as Calpine leaves bankruptcy - Chron
    Jan 31, 2008 · Calpine has until Feb. 7 to emerge from bankruptcy, when its $7.6 billion in exit financing is set to expire, but the company has said it ...Missing: restructuring | Show results with:restructuring<|separator|>
  62. [62]
    Calpine emerges from bankruptcy protection | Reuters
    Feb 1, 2008 · A bankruptcy court confirmed Calpine's reorganization plan on Dec. 19, setting an enterprise value of $18.95 billion for the company. Enterprise ...Missing: 2000-2005 growth expansion
  63. [63]
    Calpine Emerges from Bankruptcy - The New York Times - DealBook
    Feb 1, 2008 · The company said in a court filing that it met all the terms of a reorganization plan approved Dec. 19 and expects the new shares to begin ...
  64. [64]
    Press Release - SEC.gov
    31, 2008 – Calpine Corporation (Pink Sheets: CPNLQ / NYSE: CPN) announced today that it has successfully emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
  65. [65]
    Calpine emerges from bankruptcy; board approved - Reliable Plant
    In just over two years Calpine dramatically improved its capital structure, reducing approximately $7.2 billion in debt while generating a significant recovery ...
  66. [66]
    Calpine out of bankruptcy, leaner and greener - The Mercury News
    Feb 6, 2008 · During two-plus years in bankruptcy, Calpine trimmed about 1,100 jobs, cut its debt by $7 billion and closed 19 offices.
  67. [67]
    Calpine Makes $7.3B Exit from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
    Feb 4, 2008 · Discover the latest news as Calpine successfully emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy with a $7.3 billion exit strategy.Missing: expansion challenges
  68. [68]
    Jack Fusco brought Calpine Corp. out of bankruptcy and led a ...
    Oct 1, 2011 · Calpine Corp. got itself into trouble because the company was too focused on growth instead of paying attention to the factors that allow for ...Missing: emergence | Show results with:emergence
  69. [69]
    [PDF] A GENERATION AHEAD, - AnnualReports.com
    Calpine's 121 industrial gas turbines comprise the nation's largest fleet converting clean-burning natural gas into electricity. Page 3. 1. Calpine 2009 Annual ...
  70. [70]
    [PDF] CALPINE - SEC.gov
    ... CORPORATION. Page 6. Modern clean and efficient fleet producing reliable and ... history we analyze its operation and may modify or upgrade equipment or.<|control11|><|separator|>
  71. [71]
    10-K - SEC.gov
    We believe that the Clean Power Plan, which requires a 32% reduction in GHG emissions from existing power plants, including our natural gas-fired power plants, ...
  72. [72]
    [PDF] CALPINE CORP - Cloudfront.net
    Feb 13, 2015 · ... improve our operations, capacity and efficiencies. During 2014, we strategically repositioned our portfolio by divesting positions in non ...<|separator|>
  73. [73]
    News - Calpine
    Jul 24, 2025. Constellation's Deal with Calpine Approved by Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Approval advances Constellation's plan to establish leading ...
  74. [74]
    Calpine's Sutter Decarbonization Project Selected by the ...
    Dec 14, 2023 · Calpine's Sutter Decarbonization Project will capture up to 1.75 million metric tons of carbon dioxide for permanent sequestration each year.Missing: details | Show results with:details
  75. [75]
    Calpine Announces Execution of Full-Scale CCS Demonstration ...
    Aug 7, 2024 · The Sutter Decarbonization Project will be designed to capture 95% of carbon dioxide emissions enabling the Sutter Energy Center to produce firm, dispatchable, ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
  76. [76]
    Calpine's Sutter Decarbonization Project Utilizing ION Clean ...
    Aug 8, 2024 · The Sutter Decarbonization Project features ION Clean Energy's carbon capture technology and is designed to capture 95% of existing carbon dioxide emissions.
  77. [77]
    Calpine, ExxonMobil sign CO2 transportation and storage ...
    Apr 23, 2025 · ExxonMobil to transport and store up to 2 million metric tons per year of CO2 from Calpine's natural gas power generation facility.
  78. [78]
    Constellation's Acquisition of Calpine Highlights Major Texas Grid...
    Oct 15, 2025 · The new loan, announced October 14, 2025, will directly fund development of the Pin Oak Creek project, a state-of-the-art plant designed to ...
  79. [79]
    Facilities Under Development - Calpine
    Power Generation & Other Development Projects. Pin Oak Creek Energy Center. Pin Oak Creek Energy Center. Pastoria Solar Project. Pastoria Solar Project. Who We ...
  80. [80]
    [PDF] 2021 - sustainability - Calpine
    Since our founding, Calpine has been a leader in environmental stewardship. From our fleet of modern and efficient power plants to our initiatives in.
  81. [81]
    Sustainability - Calpine
    Calpine has long been at the forefront of the power generation's transition to cleaner sources of energy through its advocacy for market-based policies.Missing: strategic initiatives 2021-2025
  82. [82]
    Environmental and Watchdog Groups Challenge Constellation's Bid ...
    Mar 26, 2025 · “The $26.6 billion acquisition of Calpine by Constellation not only is one of the largest fossil fuel power transactions in history, but the ...Missing: 2021-2025 | Show results with:2021-2025<|control11|><|separator|>
  83. [83]
    Constellation's Deal with Calpine Approved by Federal Energy ...
    The transaction, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, remains subject to clearance by the Department of Justice and other customary closing ...
  84. [84]
    [PDF] Calpine - Sustainability Report 2020
    Because these power plants do not burn fossil fuel, they are able to produce power with negligible emissions of. CO2 (the principal GHG), NOX and SO2. The ...
  85. [85]
    [PDF] Report on the State of Geothermal Energy in California February 2014
    Feb 1, 2014 · A geothermal power plant's average capacity factor is 92%20 while a variable energy resource (VER) might have a capacity factor of 20-34%.21 ...
  86. [86]
    [PDF] Investigating Flexible Generation Capabilities at the Geysers
    GPC's Geysers facilities have provided a reliable source of renewable, low-carbon, baseload geothermal energy for 57 years.
  87. [87]
    Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) - Calpine
    Carbon Capture and Sequestration, or “CCS,” refers to a group of technologies that capture and sequester carbon dioxide from existing energy facilities.
  88. [88]
    [PDF] Baytown Carbon Capture and Storage Project - Department of Energy
    During Phase 1 of the project, Calpine will complete an integrated Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study to determine the specifications for CO2 capture ...
  89. [89]
    Calpine's Baytown CCS Project Selected by the DOE to Advance ...
    Dec 14, 2023 · Calpine's Baytown Decarbonization Project will capture approximately two million metric tons of carbon dioxide for permanent sequestration each year.
  90. [90]
    DOE cancels $3.7B in carbon capture, decarbonization awards
    May 30, 2025 · The Calpine grants were for CCS projects at its 550-MW gas-fired Sutter power plant in Yuba City, California, and its 810-MW Baytown power plant ...<|separator|>
  91. [91]
    [PDF] Deer Park Energy Center NGCC Carbon Capture System FEED ...
    May 17, 2023 · ✓ This PCC system will capture 95% of total CO2 emissions from flue gas generated at Calpine's Deer Park Energy Center (DKEC), a natural gas ...
  92. [92]
    https://www.marketwatch.com/story/bankrupt-calpine-seen-salvaging-core-business
  93. [93]
    Debt-Ridden Calpine Files for Bankruptcy - Fox News
    Dec 21, 2005 · Embattled power producer Calpine Corp. filed for bankruptcy late on Tuesday, weighed down by $17 billion in debt and court battles with ...<|separator|>
  94. [94]
    30.3.2007: Meldung: Calpine Closes New $5 Billion DIP Financing
    Mar 30, 2007 · Calpine Corporation announced today that it has received funding for its new $5 billion debtor-in-possession credit facility (DIP Facility) ...
  95. [95]
    [PDF] An Examination of Distress in the Electric Power Industry - NYU Stern
    Apr 1, 2005 · 2004-2005 Calpine has continued to issue debt, monetize and sell assets. There is speculation that they are nearing their debt capacity and ...
  96. [96]
    California and Calpine Near Deal On Power Contracts
    California Gov. Gray Davis (D) and Calpine Corp. are close to an agreement to rework four long-term power contracts worth $11.7 billion the state signed during ...
  97. [97]
    https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Calpine-asks-to-break-contracts-In-bankruptcy-2586548.php
  98. [98]
    California Electricity Oversight Board; People of ... - Federal Register
    ... (Calpine) to continue to supply power, and otherwise perform, under a Master Power Purchase and Sale Agreement (Calpine 2 Contract). As explained in more ...
  99. [99]
    Power contracts and utility bankruptcies | Norton Rose Fulbright
    Feb 10, 2020 · The leading decision in the 2nd circuit involved PPAs with Calpine, which had filed for bankruptcy and was trying to reject burdensome contracts ...Missing: challenges | Show results with:challenges
  100. [100]
    https://www.wsj.com/articles/DJFDBR0020080618e21500010
  101. [101]
    Calpine Corp., et al v. FERC, No. 11-1122 (D.C. Cir. 2012) - Justia Law
    According to petitioner, this trapped energy creates a conflict between state and federal law that warrants preemption of any contrary state regulations. As ...
  102. [102]
    Calpine Corporation, et al. v. FERC
    Sep 8, 2020 · Major Orders & Regulations · Administrative Litigation · Alternative Dispute Resolution · Court Cases · Complaints · Settlements · Memoranda of ...
  103. [103]
    CALPINE CORPORATION v. Cogeneration Association of California ...
    Dec 18, 2012 · The legal issue that triggered this series of cases is how the authority to set netting intervals for different purposes meshes with the Federal ...Missing: controversies | Show results with:controversies
  104. [104]
    [PDF] Docket No. IN17-1-000 - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
    Nov 1, 2019 · Calpine waives findings of fact and conclusions of law, rehearing of any Commission order approving the Agreement without material modification, ...
  105. [105]
    Calpine Energy Solutions LLC v. PUC :: 2019 :: Oregon Court of ...
    Calpine Energy Solutions LLC v. PUC. Annotate this Case · Download PDF. No. 255 June 19, 2019 143 IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF OREGON CALPINE ...
  106. [106]
    Native-led Nonprofit Files to Axe Gas Plant Project on Sacred Lands
    Mar 23, 2018 · Last week, Calpine Corporation requested to suspend its application to CA's energy regulators in the face of heavy opposition and major energy ...
  107. [107]
    Court decision voids geothermal leases on sacred tribal land in ...
    Sep 23, 2019 · A federal court has voided several federal geothermal leases held by Calpine Energy in the highlands at Medicine Lake on the Northern tip of California.
  108. [108]
    Calpine faces opposition to project from native groups
    Mar 18, 2015 · Calpine has faced the opposition of native american tribes concerned with the impact that geothermal development might have on the the ...
  109. [109]
    City of Hayward to oppose application to restart power plant ...
    Jun 28, 2021 · HAYWARD, Calif., June 28, 2021—The City of Hayward announced today it will oppose a request by Calpine to restart its Russell City Energy ...
  110. [110]
    'Model' power plant faces opposition - POLITICO Pro
    Apr 5, 2010 · California activists and local citizens are challenging the air quality permit for Calpine Corp.'s planned Russell City Energy Center, ...Missing: controversies | Show results with:controversies
  111. [111]
    SANTA TERESA CITIZEN ACTION GROUP v. Calpine Corporation ...
    Calpine and the Energy Commission demurred to plaintiffs' superior court petition on the ground the Supreme Court had exclusive jurisdiction to review the ...
  112. [112]
    FERC Challenge of Constellation-Calpine Deal - Public Citizen
    Mar 25, 2025 · Public Citizen joined with PennFuture, Clean Air Council and Earthjustice to protest the $26.6 billion deal for Constellation Energy to acquire Calpine.Missing: disputes | Show results with:disputes
  113. [113]
    Constellation defends Calpine deal after consumer groups object
    Apr 9, 2025 · Major U.S. power provider Constellation Energy defended its planned acquisition of Calpine to regulators on Tuesday, after consumer groups ...
  114. [114]
    FERC approves Constellation's acquisition of Calpine
    Jul 24, 2025 · Constellation has plans to acquire Calpine in a cash and stock transaction valued at an equity purchase price of approximately $16.4 ...