Consumers Energy Ludington Pump Storage Facility
Since 2002, Pacific Netting Products has supplied barrier net technology to help reduce fish passage through generation units at the largest pumped storage facility in the U.S. for Consumers Energy. This massive structure is the world’s largest barrier net.
Longest Full Exclusion Net in the World
During generation and pumping, over 2 billion cubic feet of water flow through it every hour. Strong winds, high waves, and powerful currents create unique challenges. To ensure reliability, the Consumers Energy owner keeps a backup barrier net on-site. Seasonal deployment is necessary due to weather and ice. The barrier net is cleaned continuously while in use, and 20% is replaced each year to maintain performance.
Key Features
Length & Depth: 2.5 miles long, 55 ft average depth (650,000 sq ft)
Material: ½” x ½” and ¾” x ¾” Dyneema diamond mesh netting
Structure: 62 sections, each 100–300 ft long
Anchoring: Secured with sub-surface steel embedment anchors
Flow Design: Built for bi-directional currents
Water Flow: Handles velocities up to 3.0 fps
Maintenance: Seasonally deployed and continuously maintained
This innovative net plays a crucial role in protecting aquatic life while withstanding extreme environmental conditions.
