Mactaquac Dam

[Translate]

Description: The Mactaquac Generating Station (MQGS) is the largest renewable generating facility in the Maritimes. The 672 MW six turbine-generator unit hydro plant delivers clean, reliable, carbon-free energy to New Brunswickers. It began operating in 1968 with a planned 100-year lifespan but, due to Alkali Aggregate Reactivity (AAR), requires refurbishment to achieve its original design life. The facility is used for both peaking and load-following generation as well as providing ancillary services, such as automatic generation control and synchronous condensing.

Description: La centrale de Mactaquac (MQGS) est la plus grande installation de production d'énergie renouvelable dans les Maritimes. La centrale hydroélectrique de 672 MW à six turbines-alternateurs fournit une énergie propre, fiable et sans carbone aux Néo-Brunswickois. Il a commencé à fonctionner en 1968 avec une durée de vie prévue de 100 ans mais, en raison de la réactivité des agrégats alcalins (AAR), nécessite une remise à neuf pour atteindre sa durée de vie initiale. L'installation est utilisée à la fois pour la production de pointe et de suivi de charge, ainsi que pour la fourniture de services auxiliaires, tels que le contrôle automatique de la production et la condensation synchrone.

Submitted By: Irfan S.Maan

City: Stoney Creek

Region: Atlantic Region


Benefits to society [Translate]

Currently, MQGS provides 75% of NB Power’s hydro generating capacity, 20% of NB’s peak energy needs, and 30% of the province’s renewable energy requirements.

Economic benefits [Translate]

The facility provides real time electricity system reliability and balances supply with demand hour-to-hour. In the event of a system-wide black-out, MQGS is the first unit required to restart the grid. MQGS also serves as the operations centre for almost all of NB Power’s entire 889 MW hydro system.

Technical merits [Translate]

The MQGS is the biggest earth fill and power generating dam in the Maritimes and is a subject of much research to better understand the effects of AAR and concrete expansion.

Historical background [Translate]

The MQGS began operating in 1968 with a planned 100-year lifespan but, due to AAR, requires refurbishment to achieve its original design life. The AAR was detected in 1970s and still ongoing. New Brunswick Power has undertaken the necessary repairs to keep this dam operational.


Back to Photo Gallery