IC-IMPACTS (India-Canada Centre for Innovative Multidisciplinary Partnerships to Accelerate Community Transformation and Sustainability), a federally funded India-Canada research initiative, developed the technology at a laboratory at the University of British Columbia.
Termed as ‘’bottom-ash concrete’’, this energy source results from a technology that uses leftover ash that collects at the bottom of coal-burning power plants.
The leftover ash is then processed and used to create highly durable concrete for roads and other structures.
Coal-based thermal power plants in India are the most polluting in the world according to a new study reported by the India Climate Dialogue.
The first road completed using bottom-ash concrete was in Thondebavi, India. It was completed on October 6 over a month-long period. The road will be monitored closely for over a year to assess its performance. Theoretically, it is supposed to last longer than normal roads by 15 years.
This new technology utilizes super-thin pavements and innovative fibers. It also includes a unique design to integrate with water recovery systems, providing additional water resources to communities.
Stanley Gomes, Consulate General of Canada in Bengaluru, expressed his joy over the project. He also spoke of his optimism over the smart city innovations in the future for the two nations.
“I would like to congratulate IC-IMPACTS for contributing another success story to Canada-India relations. The use of Canadian pavement technologies to support road improvement in Karnataka is a great example of how Canada can support India’s visionary initiatives towards building smart cities and infrastructure.” he was quoted saying.
According to the Communications Manager of IC-Impacts, Ashish Mohan, the technology will be applied to roads in Canada if proven to be successful.
‘’If, after monitoring for a year, we can show the results … that we’ve reduced a certain amount (of maintenance costs and pollution), then we can bring it back into Canada ‘’ said Mr Mohan.
Mr Mohan also called for urban cities to consider such technology to improve their roads and infrastructure. He urged for inhabitants of urban cities to assess the quality of their infrastructure.
“A lot of people live in the urban environment, so when you say infrastructure and roads, they think, ‘Oh, it’s totally fine here,’”
“But they don’t actually see the roads in a First Nations community. This matters in Canada just as much as it matters in India.” he said.
IC-IMPACTS is a pan-Canadian Centre bringing together researchers, industry innovators, community leaders, government agencies, and community organizations from across India and Canada.
They work hand-in-hand to find solutions to the key challenges that affect the quality of life of millions of people in Indian and Canadian communities.
Since its inauguration, ICT-IMPACTS has had 29 projects funded. ICT-IMPACTS is also currently working on providing safe and clean drinking water to rural areas of First World Nations.
(Image from jpublicq–CC BY-SA 2.0)
