NTPC developed infrastructure at Rihand project in UP to transport fly ash to cement plants at cheaper cost.
Highlights
The infrastructure is being developed to help NTPC achieve its goal of 100% utilisation of fly ash from power plants. This will enable power plants to upgrade the utilisation of fly ash. In the year 2019-20, around 44.33 million tonnes of fly ash were utilised. This is 73.31% of fly ash generated.
Fly Ash
Fly ash is a coal combustion product.
Background
In 1999, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (EFOCC) issued notification in 1999 to ensure 100% utilisation of fly ash. It was further amended in 2003 and 2009. However, it was missed by almost 40%. In 2015, GoI fixed December 31, 2017 as revised deadline to achieve 100% utilisation. Still, till date only 55.7% of fly ash is being used.
The infrastructure developed by NTPC will help achieve 100% utilisation of fly ash.
Rulings on fly ash
In 2016, the fly ash notification issued by the Ministry of EFoCC made it mandatory for the construction projects located within 300 km of a thermal power plant to use fly ash products. Also, the red clay bricks located within 300 km shall convert into fly ash bricks.
According to the ruling, the fly ash should weigh a minimum of 50% of the input materials.