Charlotte-based Duke Energy is reviewing through early next month responses to a late-2014 request for proposals on a study of ways to beneficially reuse coal ash, plus analysis of current and emerging technologies. It encouraged industry specialists, academic institutions, research organizations and those with coal ash expertise to register to participate, registering at [email protected].
“We are eager to expand the amount of ash directed to the beneficial reuse market,” says Duke Energy’s John Elnitsky, senior vice president for ash management strategy. “A full assessment of the available technologies and innovations will help us integrate solutions that are safe, practical and proven for large-scale applications.”
The RFP calls for a study focusing on three key areas related to coal combustion products: 1) market analysis of beneficial reuse opportunities in the concrete industry or other sectors; 2) assessment of new processing technologies to enhance the material’s suitability for beneficial reuse; and, 3) an examination of all innovative technologies that might be applied to recycle, reuse or mitigate the impact of existing or newly generated coal ash. Study results will advance Duke Energy’s efforts to strengthen ash management strategies, as well as work to permanently and safely close ash basins across North Carolina, where it has 14 power generating stations.
The utility has established a national advisory panel of independent experts in partnership with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to provide counsel on permanent coal ash storage solutions across the enterprise. It also created a dedicated, in-house organization to rigorously manage all coal ash handling, storage and marketing. More information can be found at www.duke-energy.com/ash-management.