calpine plant did you see the following in the gas daily today ? calif . approves calpine plant the california energy commission on monday gave the final go - ahead for calpine to begin con - struction on its 600 - mw , natural gas - fired metcalf energy center in san jose , the company said . the approval follows a two - and - a - half year battle against local interests opposed to the proj - ect , which will be located in power - hungry silicon valley . calpine is partnering with bechtel enter - prises to build the plant . the initial tide of local opposition was finally turned by widespread support for the proposed facility from state energy agencies , gov . gray davis and environmental groups . san jose ' s city council had initially refused to give zoning approval for the facility but changed tack after the groundswell of statewide support and the seriousness of the state ' s energy shortage became apparent . " we have always believed this is an ideal location for a plant , in a region without its own local source of significant power generation , " ken abreu , general manager for joint development for the companies , said in a statement . calpine and bechtel will begin construction next month , with the start of commercial opera - tions set for the second half of 2003 .