NB Power has officially signed a new agreement with the Mactaquac Improvement Partnership, marking a major milestone in the Mactaquac Life Achievement Project (MLAP). This partnership—a consortium consisting of Aecon, FlatironDragados, and Green Infrastructure Partners—will advance the civil work component necessary to keep the station operating as one of New Brunswick’s most critical sources of electricity.
Entering the Development Phase
While the agreement is a significant step forward, it is currently limited to the development phase and does not authorize the contractor to begin construction. Over the next 12 months, the contractor will collaborate closely with NB Power to finalize designs, establish schedules, and determine accurate cost estimates.
If this phase is completed successfully and all necessary approvals are secured, the actual construction phase is projected to kick off in mid-2027. Any future construction remains subject to government review and regulatory requirements to ensure the best long-term path forward for customers and the provincial electricity system.
Scope of the Upgrades
The Mactaquac Life Achievement Project is designed to rehabilitate the existing generating station. Key improvements will address the deterioration of the station’s concrete structures and include comprehensive upgrades to turbines, generators, and other critical systems. Preparatory work and product testing are already underway at the site to prepare for these major project activities.
Commitment to Responsible Planning
Lori Clark, President and CEO of NB Power, emphasized the importance of this careful approach. “New Brunswickers expect us to make careful, informed decisions about major investments in our electricity system,” Clark stated. “This agreement allows us to do the planning work necessary to better understand costs, schedules and risks before any final decision is made. It is a responsible step that supports good decision-making and governance, and helps ensure we continue providing reliable electricity for customers for decades to come.”
For more details on this development, you can read the official NB Power announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mactaquac Life Achievement Project?
It is a major infrastructure project by NB Power aimed at rehabilitating the Mactaquac Generating Station, addressing concrete deterioration, and upgrading critical systems like turbines and generators to ensure long-term reliability for New Brunswick’s power grid.
When will construction begin?
Construction is expected to begin in mid-2027, pending the successful completion of the current 12-month development phase, government review, and regulatory approvals.
Who is involved in the Mactaquac Improvement Partnership?
The partnership is a consortium made up of Aecon, FlatironDragados, and Green Infrastructure Partners.
Build a new dam immediately down stream of the present one and start over with the proper concrete and Stainless Steel rebar to prevent corrosive expansion. Do it right or don’t do it at all! Stop the bleeding and fire the existing management!