New Lithium Plant Faces Hurdles

A Minto Road apple orchard across from a Pacific Gas & Electric Co. substation has been proposed for a 14-acre lithium battery storage facility. (Nik Altenberg — image credit Santa Cruz Local

New Leaf Energy Inc. has proposed a $200 million, 14-acre lithium battery storage facility at 90 Minto Road near Pinto Lake, outside Watsonville. The project aims to enhance power reliability and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. However, following a battery fire at Moss Landing in January, some local activists have expressed safety and environmental concerns. The proposal is at least 18 months from potential construction, requiring an environmental impact report and various county approvals. While alternative sites near Dominican Hospital and Aptos High School were considered, they were deemed unsuitable due to terrain and space constraints. New Leaf Energy asserts that the Minto Road site is the only viable location in Santa Cruz County for such a facility.