Enwave announces project to expand waste-to-energy facility in PEI

Key Takeaways:

• Enwave Energy Corporation is launching a new waste processing facility in Prince Edward Island, set to begin construction in fall 2025 and become operational by 2028. This facility will replace the aging district energy plant and is designed to process up to 46,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste annually using advanced thermal conversion technology.
• The new plant will handle 90% of PEI’s black cart residential waste, reducing landfill dependence and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. It will also reduce the use of fuel oil for heating while enhancing energy reliability for more than 145 buildings in Charlottetown, including major institutions like hospitals and universities.
• The project represents a major collaboration between Enwave, the PEI government, and the MMJV Partnership (led by Maple Reinders), emphasizing scalable, low-carbon infrastructure. It highlights how public and private sectors can jointly address growing waste challenges and carbon reduction goals.

The Whole Story:

Enwave Energy Corporation plans to build a new waste processing facility in Prince Edward Island, beginning this fall. The facility will be in operation by 2028 and will replace the existing end-of-life system.

The MMJV Partnership, led by managing partner Maple Reinders, has been selected as the design-builder for the facility. The project will replace the existing district energy plant and play a central role in advancing the province’s sustainability goals.

Working in close collaboration with Enwave Energy Corporation and other stakeholders, the MMJV Partnership will deliver a modernized, expanded facility designed to process up to 46,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste per year. The new plant will operate continuously 24 hours a day, seven days a week using advanced thermal conversion technology to generate reliable energy from waste.

The existing district energy plant converts municipal solid waste and biomass — scrap wood from forest harvesting operations — to energy and provides that energy to its customers through the interconnected district energy network. After nearly thirty years of operation, the plant is approaching end-of-life and will be replaced with the new, expanded facility. Since 2017, the Province of Prince Edward Island and Enwave have collaborated on this project with a united goal to reduce waste and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions at a time when sustainable waste solutions are needed more than ever.

This new, state-of-the-art facility is capable of processing 90% of the province’s total black cart residential waste, significantly reducing landfill waste. The expansion of this critical facility will significantly replace the use of fuel oil for heating while providing further reliability and redundancy to more than 145 connected buildings in Charlottetown, the province’s capital city, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the University of Prince Edward Island, schools and residences. 

“This project represents a bold step forward in sustainable energy for Prince Edward Island, and we are honoured to be entrusted with bringing it to life. At Maple Reinders, we are committed to delivering infrastructure that not only meets today’s needs but is built to serve generations to come. Our team is ready to deliver a facility that sets a new standard for performance, reliability, and environmental responsibility in partnership with Enwave Energy,” says Reuben Scholtens, National Vice President, Maple Reinders.

Enwave stated that they believe leveraging waste-to-energy technology provides a real solution and tangible option for communities around the country to reduce the need for additional landfills and help to meet carbon emission reduction targets. With global waste forecasted to increase 70% by 2050, this project is a testament to scalable and sustainable pathways that directly address concerns of rising waste.

“We are very grateful for the support and confidence of the government of PEI and the people of this province, enabling us to make this long-term commitment as a critical energy partner,” says Carlyle Coutinho, CEO of Enwave Energy Corporation. “The eight-year journey to get to this point has seen many hurdles, however both Enwave and the province have remained committed to making this expansion a reality. This project is an example of how governments and private companies can work together to achieve long-term, sustainable solutions at scale through a shared purpose, creating a better world for today and generations to come.”

The MMJV Partnership, made up of Maple Reinders and Marco Group Limited, stated that it is proud to support Enwave and the Province of PEI in realizing their shared vision for a resilient, low-carbon future through innovative, sustainable infrastructure.