Utility weighs 2 million ton fly ash processing project

Sources: Georgia Power, Atlanta; CP staff

Georgia Power is reviewing beneficial reuse prospects for upwards of 2 million tons of coal ash at Plant Mitchell, a retired generating station near Albany, Ga. A forthcoming contract will mark the first time in the state where coal combustion residuals from existing ponds are excavated and converted to ASTM C 618-grade fly ash.

“As part of pond closure efforts, Georgia Power is always looking for opportunities to reuse coal ash that are beneficial for our customers and communities,” says Vice President of Environmental & Natural Resources Dr. Mark Berry. “The project at Plant Mitchell will save space in landfills and ultimately serve to help produce a valuable product.” Georgia Power, he adds, recycles more than 85 percent of all of its stations’ fly and bottom ash, plus synthetic gypsum, for beneficial reuses such as concrete production and other construction applications. 

Plant Mitchell was retired in 2016 following Georgia Public Service Commission approval of the Georgia Power Integrated Resource Plan. The utility is reviewing responses to a Beneficial Reuse Request for Proposal released earlier this year for the Plant Mitchell ponds. The next step will be to issue the RFP details to qualified participants, likely by the end of April.

The recovery and processing project coincides with this year’s creation of the Ash Beneficial Use Center at a sister generating station, Plant Bowen. Georgia Power is teaming with the Electric Power Research Institute to open the facility later this year. The utility, Institute and collaborators will identify, test, speed development and pilot methods to boost coal ash recycling and reuse. 

 

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