METLEN Achieves Milestone with First Fire at Protos Energy Recovery Facility in Cheshire

METLEN Successfully Conducts First Fire on Waste

On August 21, 2026, METLEN achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the first fire on waste at the Protos Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) located in Cheshire, UK. This project, developed for Encyclis, marks the beginning of the final stages of commissioning for this state-of-the-art plant. Once operational, Protos ERF will have the capability to process an impressive 500,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste annually, generating up to 49.9 MW of baseload electricity — enough to power approximately 90,000 homes.

Supporting the Circular Economy

The operations at Protos ERF are designed not only to generate electricity but also to contribute significantly to the circular economy. By effectively processing household and commercial waste that cannot be recycled, the facility recovers valuable resources. This process includes converting bottom ash from the combustion into secondary aggregates for construction purposes, along with extracting ferrous and non-ferrous metals for reuse. Such operations are essential for minimizing waste and promoting sustainable practices in energy production.

METLEN’s Role and Expertise

METLEN has taken on the role of strategic turnkey partner for this project, managing both the design and execution on behalf of Encyclis. Additionally, they partnered with Standardkessel Baumgarte GmbH to bring the project to fruition. The Protos ERF facility represents METLEN's inaugural venture into the Waste-to-Energy sector, a field that presents numerous technical challenges and complexities. Despite experiencing time and cost uncertainties during the project's execution, METLEN's established expertise enabled them to overcome these hurdles successfully.

A New Era for Energy Recovery

The achievement of the first fire on waste not only showcases METLEN's capabilities but also underscores the strategic integration of the former M Renewables and M Power Projects into a single framework known as M RESET. This restructuring allows the company to navigate the demanding circumstances of the European construction and energy sector, especially in recent years when material costs have surged and supply-chain challenges have arisen.

Commitment to Excellence

METLEN has reaffirmed its position as one of the few companies capable of delivering intricate thermal power projects with consistency and resilience. The integration of M RESET provides a solid foundation for the company to build upon its impressive track record in the sector. Before embarking on any additional thermal power project, METLEN ensures that every requisite step is taken — committing to delivering projects on time and within budget, a core principle that has guided the company since its inception.

A Strong Presence in the UK Energy Market

With over a decade of presence in the UK energy market, METLEN has successfully completed or is actively engaged in more than 90 projects. These encompass a diverse range of initiatives, including photovoltaic parks, battery energy storage systems, grid works, gas-fired peaking plants, and even two HVDC converter stations as part of the landmark EGL1 project. Through these efforts, METLEN has consistently demonstrated its commitment to advancing energy solutions and embracing sustainable practices for the future.