India’s National Power Thermal Corporation (NTPC) is exploring the possibility of exporting fly ash to the Middle East, an official disclosed. The disposal of fly ash is one of the main problems faced by thermal power units as it caused pollution. Only 47 per cent of the fly ash was used at present and there was a huge surplus prompting the NTPC to explore export opportunities. NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, a subsidiary of NTPC, would be entrusted with the job, according to NTPC Simhadri General Manager S C Pandey.
Pandey said the corporation’s unit near here was considered to be the best in fly ash management, keeping the pollution at the minimum. A close cycle cooling system to cut pollution and electrostatic precipitators with 99.91 per cent efficiency to minimise discharge of ash into atmosphere had been installed.