Research and Markets released its July report "Europe & Africa Fly Ash Market Size, Demand, Opportunity & Growth Outlook 2023," showing the fly ash market is expected to expand over the 2017-2023 forecast period. 

Fly ash, a byproduct of burning coal to produce electricity, is used in construction to replace up to 25 percent of the Portland cement in the mix to create concrete. Most of the fly ash produced in Europe and Africa is Class F.

The fly ash market is dominated by Europe, with a market share of 89 percent. The total European and North African fly ash market was valued at $10 billion in 2016. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is expected to rise by 8.5 between 2017 and 2023.

The market is being driven by the economic recovery in North Africa and urbanization in Europe. With the increase in construction of roads and buildings, the demand for fly ash is rising. In addition, Class F fly ash slows the curing of concrete, a plus in areas that experience high temperatures. The slower drying rate strengthens the concrete and prevents it from cracking.

Governmental regulations regarding the use of fly ash and other coal-burning byproducts are also driving the market up. Using fly ash in the construction industry is an environmentally friendly way to conform with government regulations, hold building costs down and add strength to structures.