Friday, July 31, 2026
NB Power has signed an agreement with the Mactaquac Improvement Partnership to advance the civil work component of the Mactaquac Life Achievement Project (MLAP). This is a milestone on the path to keep the station in operation as one of New Brunswick’s most critical sources of electricity.
The agreement is with the Mactaquac Improvement Partnership, a consortium of Aecon, FlatironDragados and Green Infrastructure Partners.
This agreement is for the development phase only and does not authorize the contractor to proceed with construction. During the 12-month development phase, the contractor will work with NB Power to advance design, scheduling and cost estimates. Subject to successful completion of this phase and the necessary approvals, the construction phase is expected to begin mid-2027, with completion anticipated in 2039.
Any future construction remains subject to government review and regulatory requirements. These processes are an important part of determining the best long-term path forward for customers and New Brunswick’s electricity system.
“New Brunswickers expect us to make careful, informed decisions about major investments in our electricity system,” said 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.”
The Mactaquac Life Achievement Project will rehabilitate the Mactaquac Generating Station to ensure the station can operate to its intended 100-year lifespan. The civil works scope includes rehabilitation of the powerhouse and spillways, the replacement of six turbines, upgrading electrical and mechanical components, and enhancing upstream and downstream water storage and environmental infrastructure to support the Saint John River ecosystem. Built in 1968, the Mactaquac Generating Station provides approximately 12 per cent of New Brunswick’s electricity and is integrated into the electricity grid of surrounding regions.
“The Mactaquac Generating Station is a vital power generation facility and Aecon’s world-class experience executing some of the most complex hydroelectric, dam and water management infrastructure projects will be integral in safely delivering this formidable project,” said Jean-Louis Servranckx, president and CEO, Aecon Group Inc. “Working alongside NB Power and our partners, we look forward to advancing the progressive phases of this project to optimize benefits for all parties – extending the facility’s operating life while ensuring the supply of clean and reliable energy for future generations.”
Preparatory work and product testing work is underway at the site to prepare for major project activities.
“The Mactaquac Life Achievement Project demonstrates the value of investing in and renewing critical infrastructure assets,” said Mirsad Hairlahovic, president, FD – Canada. “By bringing stakeholders together early in the process, we can align project objectives, reduce risk and develop solutions that maximize long-term value. We look forward to partnering with NB Power, local communities and our project partners to advance a project that will deliver lasting economic and operational benefits for New Brunswick.”
Featured image: (NB Power)
