Pulverised Fuel Ash at Aberthaw: A Review of its Future
The Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) mound has been a familiar sight at the former Aberthaw Power Station for many years. While often overlooked, the materials within it have potential uses that could contribute to sustainability and innovation. At CCR Energy, we are committed to exploring responsible and environmentally conscious opportunities that support a circular economy, helping both local and wider communities.
PFA has been widely used in the construction industry, particularly as a low carbon material in concrete and plastics. To better understand its properties and potential future applications, we have recently entered a research phase. This involves conducting sample excavations from the mound to assess its suitability for sustainable construction materials.
This initial drilling was carried out by Earth Science Partnership (ESP), a team of experienced engineers, geologists, and environmental scientists, in collaboration with Geo Sonic, Europe’s largest sonic drilling contractor. Using specialised sonic drilling rigs, the team successfully drilled to depths of 30-35 metres, pulling 1.5 metre samples during the extraction. Once the cores had been extracted, they were photographed, bagged, and logged, before being placed into secure containers and being transported for detailed laboratory analysis and testing. At this stage, it is important to emphasise that this is purely a research initiative. No decisions have been made on the long-term future of the mound, and we are committed to open discussions as we progress.
As part of our commitment to skills and development we also recognise the value of training and apprenticeships. One of the Geo Sonic technicians involved in this project is currently completing his NVQ apprenticeship gaining hands-on experience at the Aberthaw site.
Aberthaw is a site of significant interest for sustainable redevelopment, and projects like this allow us to explore ways to transform legacy industrial sites into opportunities for the future. Earth Science Partnership (ESP) said, “ESP have been working on remediation and reclamation schemes across Wales for over 30 years and we’re pleased to assist with the Aberthaw project which will bring positive redevelopment to another South Wales legacy industrial site.”
We understand that change can raise questions, and we remain committed to keeping the community informed as our research progresses. While we are still firmly in the early exploration phase, we believe that Aberthaw has the potential to play a role in a low carbon future.
Please check our website for any further information, in the coming future.
Watch the video below to see how the drilling was carried out.
Written by Aled Rees, Communications Executive at CCR Energy.