Safe Recycling
Duke Energy is committed to the safe and economic recycling of coal ash and other coal combustion byproducts (CCBs). CCBs are materials formed when coal is burned to generate electricity. Coal ash is used as a valuable ingredient in a wide range of concrete products and as a structural fill material in place of soil or other mined materials. Gypsum, which is produced as part of the process to lower emissions from coal power plants, is recycled and used in wallboard for the construction industry, as a raw material in the production of cement, or for use as a soil amendment and/or soil stabilizer in agriculture.
Recycling CCBs for new applications turns waste into a benefit by:
Recycling CCBs for new applications turns waste into a benefit by:
- Supporting the local economy
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Helping manage costs for customers when compared to disposal
In 2017, across our system, we recycled about 70% of the ash and 104% of the gypsum produced (including what we harvested from landfills and stockpiles). Our recycling projects have included safely using coal ash as structural fills in the reclamation of former clay mines and in a runway expansion project at the Asheville Regional Airport, and as an aggregate to replace sand and gravel in the production of concrete blocks.
We have a dedicated team researching a variety of innovative but practical and cost-effective solutions for using CCBs in ways that will also create jobs and stimulate economic development in the communities we serve. Research is ongoing into potential reuse applications for coal ash, including ash currently stored in basins. We have announced plans to reprocess ash from basins at our retired H.F. Lee, Buck and Cape Fear plants to make it suitable for use in concrete. We will continue exploring opportunities to beneficially reuse coal ash as part of our strategy to safely manage CCBs and close ash basins.
We have a dedicated team researching a variety of innovative but practical and cost-effective solutions for using CCBs in ways that will also create jobs and stimulate economic development in the communities we serve. Research is ongoing into potential reuse applications for coal ash, including ash currently stored in basins. We have announced plans to reprocess ash from basins at our retired H.F. Lee, Buck and Cape Fear plants to make it suitable for use in concrete. We will continue exploring opportunities to beneficially reuse coal ash as part of our strategy to safely manage CCBs and close ash basins.
Building better structures with recycled coal ash
Coal ash can safely be reused to make construction materials stronger and more durable – so our buildings and roads last longer.
Did You Know?
Coal ash is used in concrete and cement products to improve performance and enhance the durability of concrete structures, including roads and bridges.
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