By-product management
We both use and produce by-products when generating electricity. We burn recycled fuel oil at our coal-fired power stations and we produce ash and gypsum as by-products, which can be used in other industries. By using products from other industries and marketing the by-products we make, we use fewer resources, reduce waste and protect the environment.
Ash
The main waste from burning coal is ash. Being inert, it is ideal for use in the construction industry either as a filler or a landscaping agent, or to make lightweight bricks. Pulverised fuel ash and furnace bottom ash are only produced at coal-fired power stations, which in our case means Kingsnorth, Ratcliffe-on-Soar and Ironbridge power stations. In recent years, production has decreased because of reduced generation and the sale of other coal-fired power stations. However, sales of pulverised fuel ash have increased a good deal as the stations have worked to market this useful product.Total ash production
Ash production/useful product* supplied
Acquisition of coal-fired power stations from TXU and increased generation resulted in increased ash production.
Total ash sold
Ash sold as a % of ash produced
Acquisition of coal-fired power stations from TXU resulted in increased ash sales. *Electricity and steam supplied
The sale of ash is chiefly driven by what the construction industry wants. We make every effort to make ash that is attractive as a by-product and as a substitute raw material. We have invested heavily in technology that ensures ash quality is consistent and in processes that classify ash for different markets. Ash that is not sold is stored in landfill sites so it can be reclaimed if opportunities to sell occur.
