The paper presents the data on a structure of conventional fuels consumption, as well as a structure of fossil fuel consumption at thermal power plants (TPPs) in Russia. The issue of applying the Best Available Technologies (BAT) in Russia is touched upon. Statistics on production and utilization of coal ash in Russia and other countries is given. The paper provides information on the status and terminology of coal ash in different countries. It contains an impact of terminology on the effectiveness of solving the coal ash handling problem in Russia. The paper includes a new legislative definition of coal ash produced at thermal power plants and boiler houses of Russia which meets modern conditions and global trends, as well as requirements for coal energy sector.
Keywords: coal ash, coal ash handling, environmental protection legislation