Ludington Celebrations

Ludington's Pumped Storage Project is an engineering marvel, and one of the world’s biggest electric "batteries." The 27 billion gallon reservoir, which measures 2.5 miles long and one mile wide, can generate up to 1,872 megawatts of electricity. That's enough power to serve a community of 1.4 million residential customers.

Called the "Project" by locals, the plant can be reached by driving south on Lakeshore Drive, off Old US-31. Visitors can climb to the observation deck, which overlooks the plant's 842 acre reservoir. The view is incredible from the top, with Stearns Beach and the North Pierhead Light clearly visible in the distance.

The Ludington Pumped Storage Project was built from 1969-1973, employs 36 area residents, and is co-owned by Consumers Energy and Detroit Edison. At night when the demand for electricity is low, the reversible turbines pump water uphill from Lake Michigan through six large pipes to the reservoir. During the day when demand for electricity is higher, water flows back down through the penstocks, turning turbines that produce power. This simple technology enables the plant to respond quickly to the highs and lows of Michigan's energy demand.

In respect for the environment and Lake Michigan, the Ludington Pumped Storage Project has taken great care to protect fish. Every spring, workers install a 2 1/2 mile long barrier net to keep perch, salmon, and trout away from the plant. It is removed in the fall, as the severe winters would damage it. Deer roam freely on the hilly grounds, and a variety of birds make their home in boxes found around the plant.