FLY ASH GENERATION-UTILIZATION, GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES IN INDIA AND OTHER DIVERSE APPLICATIONS: A REVIEW

Abstract

The dynamic economic growth, robust growth of industrialization and expanding population are the key factors responsible for significant increases in global energy demand. The Power sectors account for almost 74% of coal consumption in India. The Indian coal is characterized by low calorific value (3000-3500 k. cal.) and very high ash content (30-45 %). Thus, huge amount of fly ash is being generated every year as “waste by product” in coal-based power plants. Hence in present scenario, the safe management and eco-friendly utilization of this surplus fly ash generated has become a global challenge. Due to the serious efforts of ‘Fly Ash Mission’ of India, the utilization level of fly ash has progressively improved from 11.68 % in 1998-99 to 77.59 % in 2018-19. This review presents state wise status of fly ash generation-utilization, government initiatives in India and other new domains of potential fly ash applications.