Energy
requirements for the developing countries in particular are met from coal-based
thermal power plants. The disposal of the increasing amounts of solid waste
from coal-fired thermal power plants is becoming a serious concern to the
environmentalists. Coal ash, 80% of which is very fine in nature and is thus
known as fly ash is collected by electrostatic precipitators in stacks. In
India, nearly 90 mt of fly ash is generated per annum at present and is largely
responsible for environmental pollution. In developed countries like Germany,
80% of the fly ash generated is being utilized, whereas in India only 3% is
being consumed. This article attempts to highlight the management of fly ash to
make use of this solid waste, in order to save our environment.
