The imposing silhouette of the Calaveras Power Station looms large against the San Antonio skyline. This massive complex, located southeast of the city near Calaveras Lake, has been integral to San Antonio’s energy needs for decades. It’s comprised of three distinct power plants: J.T. Deely, O.W. Sommers, and J.K. Spruce. Each one has a unique story to tell.
The first plant, the O.W. Sommers Power Plant, began operating in 1972. It got its name from Otto W. Sommers, a former general manager of CPS Energy. Originally fueled by natural gas, the O.W. Sommers Power Plant plays a crucial role in supplying electricity to San Antonio.
The J.T. Deely Power Plant, named after another former CPS Energy general manager, was a coal-fired power plant that operated from 1977 to 2018. The plant was pivotal in powering the city during the 1970s and 80s. However, due to changing environmental regulations and the shift towards cleaner energy sources, it was eventually decommissioned.
The newest addition to the complex, the J.K. Spruce Power Plant, was built in the 1990s. It was initially also powered by coal. However, CPS Energy invested in modern pollution controls, including a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system and flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) system, to minimize environmental impact.
As we stand here today, the Calaveras Power Station continues to evolve, adapting to the changing energy landscape in Texas. The old coal-fired plants have been replaced by newer, cleaner technologies, ensuring that the city’s energy needs are met while respecting the environment.