Charlottetown’s $180M waste-to-energy plant will process 90% of PEI’s black-bin trash by 2028, reducing landfill use and powering local buildings.
Major Clean Energy Investment for PEI
Charlottetown is set to host a new $180-million waste-to-energy facility that will process nearly 90 per cent of Prince Edward Island’s black-bin garbage. The project, led by Enwave Energy Corporation with support from the Canadian Infrastructure Bank, the Province of PEI, and the City of Charlottetown, is scheduled to open in 2028.
Location and Capacity
The plant will be built on the site of the existing P.E.I. Energy Systems facility on Riverside Drive. Once complete, it is expected to double the capacity of the current plant, which now processes about 42 per cent of black-bin waste from Charlottetown and surrounding areas.
Purpose and Benefits
The expansion will significantly cut down on the province’s landfill use while providing more clean energy for homes, businesses, and institutions. Currently, Charlottetown’s district energy system heats 145 buildings, including Queen Elizabeth Hospital and City Hall. The new facility will improve system efficiency and lower carbon emissions, according to Enwave CEO Carlyle Coutinho.
Stakeholders and Support
Enwave Energy is spearheading the initiative, with financing from the Canada Infrastructure Bank, which loaned the company $600 million for projects nationwide. Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown praised the project as good news for both the city and the province, citing its potential to reduce landfill waste while expanding renewable energy use.
Construction and Timeline
Construction is expected to begin late 2025 or early 2026, depending on weather conditions, and will take about three years to complete. The new facility will go into full operation in 2028. The current 42-year-old plant will be decommissioned but retained for potential future energy projects, ensuring space remains available for biomass and other renewable initiatives.
Broader Impact
The project is seen as a landmark for sustainable growth on the Island. Canada Infrastructure Bank CEO Ehren Cory said the investment aligns with the Crown corporation’s mandate to support initiatives that deliver both financial returns and public benefits, such as cleaner air, reduced landfill use, and reliable, low-cost energy for Islanders.
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