Taizhou Power Plant pioneers circular economy in coal waste management

CHN Energy's Taizhou Power Plant is moving forward with a 30,000-square-meter fly ash storage project, comprising two facilities with a total investment of 60 million yuan ($8.43 million).

Scheduled for operation by the end of the year, the project is expected to reduce particulate emissions by 163.8 metric tons annually.

"Every year, the plant burns around 10 million tons of coal, producing by-products such as fly ash, slag, and desulfurized gypsum. Proper handling of these materials is a critical part of solid waste management," said Lu Ming, director of the solid waste division at the Taizhou Bureau of Ecology and Environment.

Fly ash can be used as a cement additive. When incorporated in concrete, it improves hardness, compressive strength, durability, and crack resistance. Slag, after further processing into fine fly ash, also has higher commercial value, explained Chen Ming, the plant's environmental manager.

Since April 2023, the plant has transported 800,000 tons of fly ash, with remaining fly ash and desulfurized gypsum sent to cement factories for use.

Currently, the plant has a 100 percent utilization rate of general industrial solid waste, maximizing resource recovery and harmless disposal. Hazardous waste, including waste oil, batteries, and packaging barrels, is handled by qualified third-party firms under a centralized system ensuring full compliance.

Chen Ming added that the company is actively collaborating with local authorities, wastewater treatment plants, and traditional Chinese medicine manufacturers to implement sludge co-combustion projects. This approach not only addresses sludge disposal challenges but also reduces fuel consumption, lowering overall power generation costs.