NB Power has signed a pivotal agreement with the Mactaquac Improvement Partnership to advance the civil work component of the Mactaquac Life Achievement Project (MLAP). This marks a significant milestone in the effort to maintain the station as one of New Brunswick’s most critical sources of electricity.

Development Phase Underway

The Mactaquac Improvement Partnership is a consortium consisting of Aecon, FlatironDragados, and Green Infrastructure Partners. The current agreement covers a 12-month development phase, focusing on advancing the project’s design, scheduling, and cost estimates. It is important to note that this phase does not authorize the contractor to begin construction.

Subject to the successful completion of this planning phase and securing the necessary government and regulatory approvals, the construction phase is projected to begin in mid-2027.

Commitment to Responsible Planning

“New Brunswickers expect us to make careful, informed decisions about major investments in our electricity system,” stated Lori Clark, President and CEO of NB Power. “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.”

Project Scope and Next Steps

The MLAP aims to rehabilitate the existing generating station. Key upgrades will address the deterioration of the station’s concrete structures and include comprehensive updates to turbines, generators, and other critical systems. Preparatory work and product testing are already underway at the site.

For more details, you can read the full update directly from NB Power.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mactaquac Life Achievement Project?

It is a major rehabilitation project by NB Power aimed at addressing concrete deterioration and upgrading critical systems like turbines and generators at the Mactaquac generating station to keep it operational for decades to come.

When is construction expected to start?

If the 12-month development phase is successful and all regulatory and government approvals are met, the construction phase is expected to begin in mid-2027.

Who is involved in the Mactaquac Improvement Partnership?

The partnership is a consortium made up of Aecon, FlatironDragados, and Green Infrastructure Partners.