Jan 25, 2024: Desert Sun: Construction starts on huge lithium project near Salton Sea despite threat of a lawsuit. A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Hell’s Kitchen 1 plant, a groundbreaking lithium extraction and geothermal power facility near the Salton Sea. The $1.85 billion project, attended by White House energy advisor John Podesta and other dignitaries, aims to produce both renewable energy and lithium. Despite potential legal challenges, construction is underway. The plant, developed by Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR), is set to become the world’s first fully integrated lithium and renewable power production facility. It will generate 40 megawatts of steam power and produce 25,000 metric tons of lithium hydroxide annually, sufficient for about 415,000 electric vehicle batteries. CTR’s CEO Rod Colwell emphasized the project’s role in establishing sustainable battery materials and clean energy production in the U.S., praising the collaborative effort involving various levels of government and community support. Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater highlighted the economic benefits for the region, anticipating an economic revitalization with the creation of union jobs and potential for further investment. The project received unanimous approval from the Imperial County Board of Supervisors.
Salton Sea Coalition 