AGL Energy has signed an historic agreement with waste site remediation company NuRock to investigate the feasibility of converting millions of tonnes of coal ash at Bayswater power station into into construction bricks.
The unique process converts large volumes of solid and liquid industrial waste materials created during coal-fired power generation into a range of environmentally sustainable building products.
The end product has the potential to be used in major transport infrastructure projects in the Hunter including the Singleton and Muswellbrook bypasses and the M1 extension at Raymond Terrace.
AGL Chief Operating Officer Markus Brokhof said the memorandum of understanding with Nu-Rock would complement the company's strategy to convert its thermal power station sites into an ecosystem within a circular economy.
"This technology is a great example of using various value streams; as we produce energy at Bayswater to power the state, our coal ash waste can be recycled for the better by Nu-Rock into bricks that can be used in local construction projects," Mr Brokhof said.
"Our feasibility study with Nu-Rock will determine whether we can implement this technology at Bayswater. If approved it would provide up to 30 full time local jobs for the first facility, which will be the nucleus of our industrial waste cluster.
"As we continue our energy transition, we are exploring more ways to introduce sustainable and renewable facilities and technology at our sites, focusing on how we can generate clean power, lower our emissions and recycle our energy waste for our communities."
Nu-Rock founder and managing director Maroun George Rahme said the company's technology had the potential to revolutionise the production of construction materials.
"We are working closely with AGL to develop a process to turn the by-product they generate by manufacturing products that use less than 3 per cent of the embodied energy to manufacture, are carbon negative, up to four hours fire rated, up to 50 per cent lighter and less expensive than conventional materials that cannot meet our standards," he said.
HunterNet Cooperative has supported the development of Nu-Rock's innovative technology over the past 12 months.
"HunterNet, and our members, will be part of this supply chain to support the establish this new industry that has outstanding potential to become a game changer across the range of building industry products they will provide," HunterNet industry advisor Peter Morrissey said.
"The Hunter region can become known as the centre for these 'local' products to be provided, along with many opportunities for jobs, diversification of careers, new industry and supply chain support both in the Hunter and other areas."
