Status of Coal-Based Thermal Power Plants, Coal Fly Ash Production, Utilization in India and Their Emerging Applications

Both fossil and renewable fuel sources are used widely to produce electricity around the globe. The dependency on fossil fuels for energy leads to the depletion of reserves and various forms of pollution. Coal fly ash (CFA) is one of the most burning issues in the whole world due to its large amount of production in thermal power plants. Every year a million tons (MTs) of CFA are generated globally of which almost half is utilized in various forms, while the remaining half remains unused, leading to various types of pollution. Hence, there is an immediate requirement for CFA management approaches for the efficient and sustainable use of fly ash. In the present review, the authors emphasize the status of energy and its supply and demand. A detailed description of coal fly ash-based thermal power plants, fly ash production, and utilization is provided. Moreover, the current and emerging applications of CFA are also provided.