Challenges and opportunities in biomass ash management and its utilization in novel applications

To reduce greenhouse emissions, the utilization of biomass is a proficient path for producing power and its impact on accumulative carbon footprint. Generation of power using biomass produces residue majorly in the form of ash. However, as electrical demand rises, the utilization of biomass as feedstock surges, resultantly the quantity of ash from power plants increases. Production of the ash in biomass-fired power plants arise multiple problems exclusively handling of ash and its utilization. The continuous rise in ash quantity will challenge ash-storing facilities while increasing management, transferring and disposal cost. Direct disposal to the land sites may also effects the soil nutrient and its structure. This review investigated the basic challenges in biomass ash production, environmental concerns and handling issues. Furthermore, the study explores the various opportunities in biomass ash utilization in conventional applications such as agriculture, construction, and cement industry. Moreover, the status and prospects of ash utilization in novel application such as nanotechnology in industrial catalysis and environmental applications have been well elucidated. Finally, the recommendations were also derived to pave the path for efficient utilization of biomass ash to improve the overall economy of the biomass operated power plants and sustainable development. [Display omitted] •Biomass ash production and its conventional utilization patterns are reviewed.•Biomass ash utilization in the conventional and novel application is elucidated.•Opportunities in nano-energy for reforming and energy storage applications are highlighted.