Turning Trash into Tomorrow: Geopolymer Concrete from Biomass Ash

Summary

Cambodia’s rapid economic growth, industrialization, and urbanization are driving the expansion of biomass power generation. This growth produces significant quantities of biomass ash, including fly ash and bottom ash. In the absence of a national inventory, current disposal practices such as landfilling and uncontrolled stockpiling pose environmental risks while wasting valuable resources. When properly characterized and treated, biomass ashes can be used as precursors for alkali-activated binders and geopolymer concretes, offering low-carbon alternatives to conventional Portland cement. This project establishes a collaboration between ITC and ULB to promote biomass ash valorization in sustainable concrete. The project will assess ash availability and properties, develop geopolymer formulations, and strengthen teaching and research capacity through curriculum development, laboratory training, and applied research, supporting low-carbon construction and sustainable infrastructure.

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