Medium Combustion Plant Directive Briefing

The Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD) regulates pollutant emissions from the combustion of fuels in plants with a rated thermal input of between 1MW-50MW.

The government consulted with relevant stakeholders to get their views on proposed new and amended standard rules permits for medium combustion plant (MCP) and specified generators.

These permits are for operators who must:

• Have a permit under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 SI No. 1154 (EPR) by the 1^st January 2024.

• Comply with emission limit values (ELVs) for existing MCP with a thermal input (at Net calorific value – NCV) ≥ 5 MWth and < 50 MWth by the 1^st January 2025.

Standard Rule (SR2018/7)

It is proposed to amend SR2018/7 to allow for existing medium combustion plant which is ≥ 5 MWth and < 20 MWth to be permitted under this rule set. Improvement to the generic risk assessment has been made to clarify the risk to local human populations.

Standard Rule (SR2022/9)

It is proposed to introduce a new standard rule (SR2022/9) for new and existing MCP which are boilers burning natural gas for heat only.

Changes to Charging for MCP and Specified Generator (SG) Standard Rules Permits

The charges for SR2022/9 will now be the default standard facility charge and the government will update the charging scheme:

Permitting and Compliance Dates

You must apply for your permit and have it in place by:

1^st January 2024 for an existing MCP and the capacity is between 5MWth and 50MWth

1^st January 2029 for an existing MCP and the capacity is between 1MWth and less than 5MWth

You must comply with your MCPD permit by:

1^st January 2025 for an existing MCP and the capacity is between 5MWth and 50MWth

1^st January 2030 for an existing MCP and the capacity is between 1MWth and less than 5MWth

Applications will open no later than the 31^st March 2023.

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