METLEN Successfully Conducts First Waste Combustion Test at Protos Energy Recovery Facility

METLEN’s Groundbreaking Waste Combustion Test

On August 21, 2026, METLEN proudly announced the successful execution of its first waste combustion test at the Protos Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) being developed for Encyclis in Cheshire. This marks a significant milestone, indicating that the cutting-edge facility is nearing the final stages of hot commissioning.

Once fully operational, the Protos Energy Recovery Facility will have the capacity to process approximately 500,000 tons of non-recyclable waste annually, generating up to 49.9 MW of baseload electricity. This is enough to power around 90,000 homes, showcasing a monumental step towards sustainability.

The ignition of this waste not only generates energy but also promotes a circular economy by retrieving valuable resources from household and commercial waste left after recycling processes. The resulting bottom ash from combustion will be converted into secondary aggregates for construction, while ferrous and non-ferrous metals will be extracted for reuse.

As a strategic turnkey partner in this project, METLEN has been responsible for the design and execution on behalf of Encyclis, collaborating closely with Standardkessel Baumgarte GmbH. The venture represents METLEN's inaugural foray into waste-to-energy valorization, presenting a myriad of technical challenges. The successful execution of the first waste combustion was enabled by the expertise and resilience of METLEN's personnel, who adeptly navigated various challenges related to time and costs that emerged during the project's execution.

The initiation of waste burning in this complex project affirms the benefits of integrating the legacy M Renewables and M Power projects under the unique M RESET platform. In a particularly challenging environment for the European construction and energy infrastructure sectors, where rising material costs and supply chain pressures have become prevalent, METLEN has reaffirmed through M RESET its capabilities as one of the few enterprises equipped to deliver complex thermal power projects with discipline and perseverance despite adverse circumstances. This has allowed them to earn considerable respect within the market.

The restructuring of M RESET and the influx of high-caliber talent provide a robust foundation for METLEN to continue its long-standing journey in the industry. Before pursuing any new thermal energy projects, the company has committed to implementing necessary measures to ensure delivery 'on time and within budget,' a motto that has driven METLEN’s operations since its inception.

METLEN has maintained a strong foothold within the UK energy market for over a decade, completing or delivering more than 90 projects, including photovoltaic parks, battery energy storage systems, network works, and peak gas plants, as well as a synchronous condenser and two HVDC converter stations in the flagship EGL1 project.

With this first waste combustion test, METLEN is poised to contribute significantly to the UK's efforts in waste management and energy recovery, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future for all.