Duke Energy searches for coal ash management solutions

Duke Energy today announced it will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) on 12 December for a comprehensive study of ways to beneficially reuse coal ash and an analysis of available and emerging technologies.

Academic institutions, research organisations, industry specialists and those with coal ash expertise are encouraged to register to receive the RFP. 

Results from the study will advance the company's ongoing efforts to strengthen its ash management strategies, as well as the work to permanently and safely close ash basins across North Carolina. Obtaining additional resources is also part of the company's commitment to meeting the state's new coal ash policies.

"We are eager to expand the amount of ash directed to the beneficial reuse market," said 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 company will seek proposals for a study focusing on three key areas related to coal combustion residuals (CCRs) and coal combustion products (CCPs):

• A market analysis of beneficial reuse opportunities in the concrete industry or other sectors.
• The assessment of new processing technologies to enhance the material's suitability for beneficial reuse.
• An examination of all innovative technologies that might be applied to recycle, reuse or mitigate the impact of existing or newly generated coal ash.

In a statement, Duke Energy said the RFP was “another milestone” as the company works to advance its coal ash management strategy. In addition to the recently announced excavation plans for four sites, the company has met state deadlines to file groundwater assessment plans, well water receptor surveys and updated permit applications for all 14 of its North Carolina facilities in order to begin the review and approval process.

As previously announced, Duke Energy 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 for all of its facilities. The company also created a dedicated, in-house organisation to rigorously manage all of its coal ash operations.

Duke Energy has previously apologised for the coal ash release that began on 2nd February at the Dan River power plant in Eden, North Carolina.

Adapted from press release by Sam Dodson

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/02122014/duke-energy-searches-for-coal-ash-management-solutions-1632/