Currently about a third of coal ash produced is used for concrete production. Ash takes the place of gravel as filler for concrete. Ash and other byproducts are high quality materials for construction companies. CCTFT member American Electric Power is one company that believes in the many uses of coal. Its 31-story Columbus, Ohio headquarters (right) is made from coal combustion byproducts. They can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Fly ash used in concrete replaces the need for limestone calcination, a process that requires heat usually provided by fossil fuels. Other uses include blasting grit, roofing shingles, and snow and ice control. DOE reports the oyster reefs at Galveston Bay in Texas are also beneficiaries. Coal combustion byproducts have been used to stabilize the reefs and serves as a bed for oyster breeding. Coal ash also contains gypsum (Hydrated Calcium Sulfate, CaSO4-2H2O), which has many uses, including drywall, chalk, tofu, and fertilizers.
