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Pulverised fuel ash and furnace bottom ash

The generation of electricity from coal-fired power stations results in the production of two forms of ash:

  • pulverised fuel ash (PFA)
  • furnace bottom ash (FBA)

PFA and FBA can be used to create valuable aggregates. These can be used in construction applications, for example in the manufacture of breeze blocks and as a cement-like product (grout) for filling mine workings.

We are considering bound and grout applications of PFA and FBA separately to unbound applications.

What are the benefits of a pulverised fuel ash quality protocol?

As the UK’s largest industrial and commercial waste stream, the quality protocol for PFA and FBA (bound and grout applications only) sets end of waste criteria for this material. The quality protocol is expected to deliver the following benefits:

  • divert approximately 300,000 tonnes of PFA and FBA from landfill per year
  • save businesses £5 million each year, largely due to landfill charges
  • create markets worth over £8.5 million a year
  • save 15,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions annually
  • help save over 425,000 tonnes of virgin raw material

The current status of the pulverised fuel ash quality protocol

The Quality Protocol for bound and grout applications was published in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in October 2010. 

Work on unbound applications of PFA is ongoing.

Bound and grout applications

You can download the quality protocol for the production and use of pulverised fuel and ash and furnace bottom ash for use in bound and grout applications in specified construction and manufacturing uses.

You can also download:

Find out how we regulate PFA and FBA:

To find out how Northern Ireland regulate PFA and FBA please follow this link:

Unbound applications

PFA and FBA can be used in unbound applications, for example to build an embankment or to raise levels on construction sites. We are working to understand whether a quality protocol can be developed for unbound applications of PFA and FBA.

More information

If you would like further information, please email Waste Protocols.