Italian technology to make Bengal power plants ash efficient: Mrinal

Kolkata, Feb 23 (UNI) West Bengal government is planning to start an Italian "dry bottom ash" technology in Durgapur Projects Ltd to reduce coal particles from ashes, West Bengal power minister Mrinal Banerjee said here today.

Speaking on the sidelines of "Asia Pacific Conclave on Coal Combustion Products" organised by Coal Ash Institute of India (CAII), Mr Banerjee said,''We will replicate the model in other power plant also if it is successful in DPL.'' Elaborating about commercial ash utilisation in Bengal, Mr Banerjee said, ''Ash management system has improved in the power plant across the state. Kolaghat has 100 per cent ash utilisation.

The new upcoming plants are also equipped with technology that enables fly ash management.'' While addressing the conclave, he said ash could be utilised in various sectors like cement and brick industry, road construction, agriculture, waste land etc.

According to estimates at the end of the 11th Plan period due to 60,000 MW of power production, 18 million tonne fly ashes need to be managed. It is really a cause of concern for both the Centre and state governments, he added.

UNI