Environmental, Health & Safety

Calpine believes that a strong commitment to environmentally responsible electrical generation is a key element to achieving its goal of being the finest power company in North America. The company began with the purchase of a single megawatt of geothermal energy production in 1989. Today, Calpine is a leader in the industry with a portfolio of nearly 24,000 megawatts of efficient, clean generation.

Calpine's initial steps toward becoming a major power company involved the acquisition of several geothermal power plants and steam fields. Today, Calpine is North America's largest producer of renewable geothermal power, an energy source that produces minimal emissions. And by injecting treated recycled water into its Geysers geothermal steam fields in Northern California, Calpine is extending its capabilities for "green power" generation for many years.

Calpine believes that corporations can be financially successful while serving as leading stewards of the environment and good corporate citizens. The company takes its responsibility very seriously, and feels that it is inextricably linked with Calpine's continued success as a major power company.

Calpine's unique portfolio consists of energy centers that are the newest and cleanest in the nation, producing low-cost, reliable electricity. The majority of the company's portfolio consists of facilities using clean-burning, natural gas-fired turbines combined with steam turbine generators. This combined-cycle operation uses state-of-the-art emissions control technology in a highly fuel-efficient manner, resulting in far less air emissions than older technology used by most U.S. power companies.

Aging fossil-fueled power plants are a major source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Many plants in the United States are 30 to 50 years old and are not equipped with the newest air emission control systems. Calpine's modern fleet uses highly efficient turbines and the most modern emissions control technology to help protect the environment while producing reliable, cost-competitive electricity. Calpine supports legislation and policies that require all power producers to be environmentally responsible, by continuing to lower emissions from power generation.

Calpine manages its business with a talented, competent team of professionals who operate with a philosophy of social responsibility, environmental protection and good corporate citizenship. In communities where the company is located, its neighbors deserve assurance that Calpine is protecting the environment and human health. Through community meetings held during the licensing process and by making available detailed analysis and information regarding Calpine's environmental performance, the company continues to demonstrate that safety and protection of the environment are core company values.