Cement firms to buy power plant coal ash

CEBU, Philippines - Cement companies in Cebu are interested to buy the coal ash that will be produced from the coal-fired power plant in Toledo City as soon as the plant goes into full operations.

CEDC president Jesus Alcordo said that as negotiations are still ongoing, they cannot reveal yet what companies have extended their interest on buying their coal ash but assured that negotiations are going well.

“It is very positive so far,” said Alcordo who added that this will also help not just the companies but as well as individuals who would have more chances of having jobs as the production of clean coal ash from their operations would mean more production as well for cement companies.

Alcordo said that they will produce around 300 tons per day with the new 246 MW facility in Toledo.

CEDC initially fired the first of the three 82 MW power plants last January 17, with the firing of the second boiler slated in May this year, and the third by yearend.

The other coal-fired plant in Iloilo said Alcordo will also produce 200 tons of coal ash a day. While some are Cebu based cement companies, Alcordo said that some are also traders.

Alcordo said that this development answers the question as to where the coal ash would be safely deposited as it has been the subject of debate, mostly led by environmentalists, who said that the coal ash is harmful to the people and the environment.

Prior to this, Alcordo already assured the public that their coal is not toxic and it would not harm anyone or anything.