ACAA Releases 2020 Coal Ash Report
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The American Coal Ash Association reports that 59% of coal ash produced in 2020 was recycled, an increase from 52% in 2019. It is estimated that about 69 million tons of coal combustion products (CCP) were produced (a decline from 79 million tons in 2019) and about 41 million tons were beneficially used. Decreased production of CCP is reflected in the reduced consumption of coal by utilities to generate electricity. The fly ash used in concrete decreased by 12% to 11 million tons. The decline is attributed to the shifting supply dynamics associated with closures of coal-fueled power plants. Use of CCP in cement production declined 4% to 4.8 million tons. About 4 million tons of previously disposed ash was beneficially used in ash pond closure activities, for cement kiln raw feed and gypsum panel manufacturing.
Increasing beneficial use requires ash suppliers to ensure materials are consistent and available to customers and requires large investment in technology and logistics. The industry is actively deploying technologies and strategies for harvesting coal ash materials that were previously disposed.
The ACAA CCP Production & Use Reports are available here.
