Project Overview
Newkirk was on the team which constructed the 1,872 MW Hydroelectric Pumped Storage project to answer Michigan's need to keep its fossil fuel and nuclear plants operating at maximum efficiency during off-peak hours. The plant is jointly owned by Consumers Energy and DTE.
By using power to pump water from Lake Michigan into a man-made reservoir during low electric usage periods, and reversing the process during high usage periods, this plant reduces peak demands on other power facilities. At the time of construction it was the largest pumped storage project in the world.
Newkirk managed the complete electrical project including the powerhouse and site electrical work. Since the original installation, Newkirk has completed several major projects at the site including the recent replacement of the underground high-voltage cable that rings the entire perimeter of the reservoir, and a major retrofit of the six existing units to improve efficiency.