Coal Combustion Products Management toward a Circular Economy—A Case Study of the Coal Power Plant Sector in Poland

Agnieszka Bielecka and Joanna Kulczycka
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Agnieszka Bielecka: PGE Energia Ciepła S.A., 31-587 Cracow, Poland
Joanna Kulczycka: Faculty of Management, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-076 Cracow, Poland

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 14, 1-15

Abstract: Coal combustion products can be considered as commercial products or waste depending on the quality of the coal, the combustion process, and the country’s legislation. The circular economy can create incentives for the implementation of new business models in large power plants in cooperation with coal mines and users of coal combustion products. This is particularly important in Poland, where coal still remains the main source of energy, employing over 80,000 workers. The objective of this study was to assess the readiness for change toward a circular economy and to identify challenges, barriers, and plans at seven large power plants. To do this, a final questionnaire was developed after checking environmental reporting, a CATI survey, and brainstorming between circular economy leaders from science, industry, and non-governmental organizations. The results indicate that even if the great economic and environmental potential of coal combustion products management are understood, all requirements connected with CO 2 and air pollution have higher priorities. Policy shifts away from coal do not promote cooperation, but the higher acceptance of products from waste and more transparent data shows a large potential for changes toward a circular economy.

Keywords: circular economy; coal power plant; coal combustion products; industrial waste (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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