ADAA International Symposium 2024

"Exploring Coal Combustion Product Harvesting Opportunities in Australia during this once in a life-time energy transition"

8th - 9th October 2024,

University of NSW (UNSW), Sydney, Australia 

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) are supporting the event via its Carbon Recycling and Abatement Fund

Coal Combustion Products (CCPs) – often referred to as “coal ash” and including “fly ash” and “bottom ash” – are solid materials produced when coal is burned to generate electricity. There are many good reasons why the 12 million tonnes of CCPs generated nationally annually and the ~ 250 million tonnes in managed ash repositories within NSW should be viewed as mineral resources. Beneficiating and utilising CCPs conserves natural resources, saves energy and reduces associated carbon emissions contributing towards an efficient and sustainable circular economy. 

With a background of accelerating change and staged closures of coal fired power stations in New South Wales, the issues of ongoing access to CCPs for the construction material sector and management have been identified as critical issues for a range of stakeholders. That is, in 2021 the NSW Parliament Legislative Council – Public Works Committee inquiry made numerous recommendations recognising the opportunity for the recovery and use of stored CCPs. NSW Government in 2023 committed to a $3.25 million dollar investment to support construction material industry efforts to explore and identify investment opportunities pathways for harvesting of stored coal combustion products within NSW into existing and new markets to further reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change in NSW. NSW Government established a partnership with the Ash Development Association of Australia in 2024.

The Symposium was designed to bring together relevant stakeholders and hear from international and national experts sharing information and understand the changing landscape of CCP production. Speakers discussed the emerging issues and future drivers for investigating the harvesting potential of stored CCPs that could contribute towards to reducing carbon in construction materials and opportunities in the NSW circular economy.  

The Symposium, which was invitation only, brang together over 110 delegates including leaders, technical experts, engineering practitioners and key policy makers from around the world to share their knowledge and experience in harvesting Coal Combustion Products (CCPs). International Organisations that spoke on harvesting and management challenges for CCPs included;

•           ASHCOR Technologies, Canada 
•           Attritor, UK 
•           Coomtech Clean Technologies, UK
•           Electric Power Research Institute, USA (EPRI)
•           EP Power Minerals, UK & USA
•           European Coal Combustion Products Association (ECOBA)
•           University of Kentucky, USA
•           Southern Company, USA
•           WG WatershedGeo, USA

Over the Symposium, two (2) days of presentations were shared on harvesting case studies, potential challenges for stored CCPs, technologies that could contribute to reducing carbon in construction materials, and opportunities in the NSW circular economy. Invited industry stakeholders included coal power asset operators, CCP processors and value adders, engineers and designers, construction material companies, researchers, major transport agencies, and policymakers who were invited to share insights, perspectives, and challenges.

Download our International Symposium Flyer Package from the event here

VENUE:

The symposium was held  'The Roundhouse', located at the University of New South Wales which is a 20 metre walk from the “UNSW ANZAC Parade” Sydney Light Rail stop. 

NETWORKING EVENT:

On the evening of Tuesday 8th of October, a networking event was held at Coogee Bay Hotel, in the Seabreeze Room from 6.30pm - 9.30pm for all Symposium attendees. Attended by over 70 people, it was an excellent way to continue conversations on these critical topics in a more relaxed setting, accompanied by canapes, drinks a touch of magic to end the evening on a high note.

Download the Networking Flyer from the evening here.

SPEAKERS/ PROGRAM:

A carefully curated list of international and Australian speakers was put together by the Symposium Committee.

International speakers shared presentations on harvesting case studies, potential challenges for CCPs, and technologies that could contribute to reducing carbon in construction materials, as well as opportunities in the NSW circular economy. Australian speakers showcased a range of industry representatives, including coal power asset operators, CCP processors and value adders, engineers and designers, construction material companies, researchers, major transport agencies, and policymakers, to share insights, perspectives, and challenges.

       Technical Program                                             Post-Event Report              

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                 Download the Technical Program                                       Download the Post-Event Report                          

Presentations 

Presentations are available to download by clicking the title.

SPONSORSHIP

 A huge thank you to our sponsors — this symposium would not have been possible without your generous support and invaluable contributions. Your partnership was instrumental in bringing together leaders and innovators to drive meaningful discussions on sustainability and the future of our industry.