Investment in aging energy infrastructure continues to drive major rehabilitation projects across North America. A partnership led by FlatironDragados has entered the development phase of the Mactaquac Life Achievement Project, a long-term modernization program designed to extend the service life of one of New Brunswick's largest hydroelectric generating facilities.
The agreement with New Brunswick Power Corporation initiates a collaborative planning process before construction activities begin.
The Mactaquac Improvement Partnership, comprising FlatironDragados, Aecon and Green Infrastructure Partners, will work with NB Power under an Early Contractor Involvement delivery model during a 12-month development phase.
The team will refine engineering designs, prepare construction schedules and develop project cost estimates before the project advances to construction, pending regulatory and project approvals. If approved, construction is expected to begin during the second quarter of 2027 and continue through 2039.
The rehabilitation program will address long-term structural deterioration while maintaining safe and reliable operation of the 672-megawatt Mactaquac Generating Station.
Planned work includes concrete rehabilitation, structural strengthening, seepage control, powerhouse improvements, intake and tailrace rehabilitation, and upgrades to spillways and sluiceways. The project also includes refurbishment or replacement of mechanical and electrical systems, turbine and generator embedded components, cranes and other heavy equipment.
Additional environmental improvements will focus on fish passage enhancements and dam mitigation measures to support continued operation of the facility.
Built in 1968, the generating station supplies a significant share of New Brunswick's renewable electricity and peak power capacity. The rehabilitation program is intended to extend its operational life through 2068.
Owners of aging hydropower facilities are increasingly investing in rehabilitation programs to preserve existing renewable energy assets rather than replacing them. For contractors and infrastructure owners, early contractor involvement delivery models can improve cost certainty, reduce project risks and strengthen coordination before construction begins on large, technically complex civil and power infrastructure projects.
Source: Flatiron Dragados.
