New Leaf Energy proposes a $200 million lithium battery storage site near Watsonville to improve power reliability. Following a fire at Moss Landing, locals raise safety concerns. The project requires extensive approvals and an environmental review, with Minto Road identified as the only viable location in Santa Cruz County.

Tune in Feb. 25 at 6 PM to Off The Lip Radio Show! Experts Toby Corey, Justin Cummings, and Professor Madeline Adamczeski discuss Moss Landing’s energy future, storage solutions, and community transparency.

While large-scale energy storage systems like lithium-ion batteries and their alternatives pose risks, these are localized and manageable. They enable renewable energy integration, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and offer cleaner, safer energy solutions for a sustainable future.

The Moss Landing fire exposed challenges in lithium energy storage, underscored health and environmental risks, and highlighted the need for innovation, diverse energy solutions, and community resilience for a sustainable future.

In Part 1 of this 3 part series, we start by exploring the challenges created by the White Gold Rush: lithium. We look at growth and supply, production, supply, recycling, and we touch on the politics.