100-year-old hydroelectric dam near Berwick, N.S., seeking $6M upgrade

The Factorydale Hydropower Plant is Aylesford, N.S., is pictured. (Source: Google Maps)

A hydroelectric dam that has existed near Berwick, N.S., for more than 100 years is seeking a $6-million upgrade to keep the lights on.

The Berwick Electric Commission is seeking approval for $6 million to refurbish the Factorydale Hydropower Plant in Aylesford. The Nova Scotia Energy Board will consider the application through a paper hearing.

The Berwick Electric Commission (BEC) is responsible for the distribution system that serves Berwick and some adjacent areas of Kings County.

The Factorydale plant, which has been in use since 1922 and uses water from the Annapolis River to generate electricity, suffered a complete shutdown in 2023, according to the application. An investigation determined a large object broke one or more wicket gates, which help control the flow of water.

The investigation also found the turbine suffered “irreversible damage” that requires a complete replacement of the unit.

A feasibility study from 2025 noted the proposed refurbishment project, which will upgrade the existing equipment, is expected to increase the plant’s capacity from 416 kW to between 650 kW and 750 kW.

The application says the $6 million would go, in part, towards:

• installation and commissioning ($1.2 million)
• new turbine ($1 million)
• contingency ($980,000)
• controls protection ($820,000)
• 650 kW generator ($461,000)
• engineering consulting ($300,000)
• new intake gate ($125,000)
• new transformer ($120,000)
• hydraulic power unit ($115,000)

“Upgrading the turbine and generator systems will increase energy efficiency, reducing operational costs,” the application reads. “By extending the plant’s operational life by 50 years, the project aims to minimize long-term capital expenditures compared to constructing new facilities.”

The application notes the full decommissioning of the Factorydale plant is not a viable alternative, as it would cost up to $18.8 million.

“There are no federal or municipal funding programs for this kind of endeavour, and the project would take years to complete, especially due to the significant environmental studies and planning required,” the application reads.

“For a fraction of this cost, BEC can take steps so that it can continue to operate upgrade Factorydale for the benefit of its customers for decades to come.”

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