South African energy company Eskom has taken a bold step in its commitment to sustainability by using recycled coal ash in road construction . The initiative, led by Eskom Rotek Industries (ERI), marks the first time this type of material has been used in road infrastructure in the country, in an effort to reduce carbon emissions and reuse industrial byproducts.
The project has started at the Kusile power station in Mpumalanga, where a 759-metre road has been built, designed to handle the daily traffic of between 1,200 and 1,600 trucks, each with a load of 34 tonnes. This road, part of an ambitious infrastructure plan, replaces conventional cement with coal ash , contributing significantly to the reduction of CO₂ emissions.
Geopolymerization: the technology that transforms coal ash
Eskom has implemented geopolymerisation , a technology that turns coal ash into a sustainable alternative to traditional cement . This, in addition to reducing the dependence on materials such as cement, the production of which generates large amounts of carbon dioxide , also mitigates the environmental impact of ash dumps.
Each kilometer of road includes 2,904 tons of ash, which also contributes to minimizing accumulated industrial waste . The company, aware of the importance of this by-product, plans to continue expanding the use of ash in other projects, including brick manufacturing and other industrial applications.
Sustainable roads for South Africa
Incorporating recycled ash into infrastructure projects reduces CO₂ emissions and offers economic benefits. Eskom has managed to reduce construction costs and opened up new revenue streams by transforming hazardous waste into valuable resources . In addition, by collaborating with the Mpumalanga government, the project also fosters job creation and local economic growth.
This initiative represents a key step towards sustainability for Eskom, a company that generates around 34 million tonnes of coal ash per year , of which only 7-10% is processed. With this approach, Eskom reduces its environmental impact and optimises its financial processes by obtaining carbon credits for the reduction of emissions.
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Source: Eskom
Photo: shutterstock
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