Central Georgia News

Georgia Power has partnered with Eco Material Technologies to launch a coal ash reuse project at Plant Branch near Milledgeville, aiming to produce marketable ash for the concrete industry. This initiative is part of Georgia Power's ongoing efforts to find sustainable solutions for coal ash management and promote local economic development.

This project at Plant Branch is the third beneficial reuse project undertaken by Georgia Power, following similar initiatives at Plant Bowen and Plant Mitchell. The goal is to establish an ash processing facility that will generate marketable ash for use in concrete, contributing to environmental sustainability and providing economic benefits to the local community, according to a press release from the Georgia Power website.

Jennifer McNelly, vice president of Environmental Affairs for Georgia Power, emphasized, in the press release, the company's commitment to meeting the energy needs of customers, while investing in innovative and eco-friendly solutions. She stated, "In addition to reducing the amount of ash going to a landfill and complementing our closure plans, projects such as this bring additional jobs and positive economic impact for the local community."

The ash processing facility at Plant Branch is set to begin construction later this year and aims to be operational by 2026, noted the release. It will process excavated ash from onsite ponds, generating approximately 600,000 dry tons of marketable ash annually for the concrete ready-mix market over a 15-year period.

Coal ash, also known as coal combustion residuals (CCR), is considered a sustainable substitute for virgin materials, according to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency. It offers advantages such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lower disposal costs, and improved material strength and durability. In 2021, an American Coal Ash Association survey revealed that electric utilities beneficially employed at least 35.2 million tons of coal ash.

Eco Material Technologies, a prominent producer of sustainable cementitious materials, will oversee the Plant Branch project. Its expertise in utilizing coal ash for enhancing product strength and reducing the demand for conventional raw materials aligns with Georgia Power's goal of promoting environmental sustainability, noted the release.

Georgia Power has been actively recycling ash and gypsum, with 85% of all ash and gypsum currently being recycled. Over 90% of fly ash generated from operations is repurposed for beneficial applications, particularly in concrete production and other construction materials, according to the release.

With this coal ash reuse project at Plant Branch, Georgia Power continues to lead the industry in finding innovative and sustainable solutions for coal ash management. The collaboration with Eco Material Technologies not only supports environmental conservation but also brings economic benefits to the local community.