This week, we caught up with Dr Sophie Archer, Permitting Consultant here at NFU Energy to discuss insights from the Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD), the importance of maintaining compliance ahead of the looming deadline, and how businesses can prepare for upcoming regulations.

Q: What is the Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD) and what does an MCPD permit involve?

A: MCPD is a European regulation aimed at reducing emissions from medium sized combustion plants with a thermal input between 1 and 50 MW. It targets pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and dust to improve air quality and public health.

To operate under the MCPD, plants must obtain an MCPD permit, which ensures compliance with emission limits. The permit process involves submitting information about the plant’s specifications, fuel type, operational hours, and emissions. The Environment Agency reviews this information and sets conditions that the plant must meet. This may include monitoring emissions, installing control technologies, or modifying operations.

The MCPD permit is crucial for legal operation and helps maintain sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

Q: Who needs to comply with MCPD?

A: Eligibility for MCPD applies to operators of medium combustion plants with a thermal input between 1 and 50 MW. These plants are typically used for electricity generation, heating, or both for various horticultural and industrial processes.

Certain low risk legislation or exemptions may apply to certain types of operations, such as plants operating fewer than 500 hours annually, those operating for research, or as part of anaerobic digestion installations. However, these are subject to strict conditions across a variety of different types of permits.

Q: What are the key deadlines for compliance under MCPD?

A: MCPD establishes deadlines based on the plant's size and age. New plants must comply with emission limits from the start of operation, while existing plants have extended timelines. Larger plants, with a thermal input between 5 and 50 MW, must meet requirements (hold a permit and pass its emission limits) by 01 January 2025. Smaller plants, ranging from 1 to 5 MW, have until 01 January 2030 to do this. These deadlines allow operators to make necessary adjustments and upgrades to reduce emissions and meet environmental standards in the event they cannot on their first attempt.

• New Plants (combustion plants commissioned after 20 December 2018): Must comply with emission limits immediately.
• Existing Plants (5-50 MW): Compliance required by 01 January 2025.
• Existing Plants (1-5 MW): Compliance required by 01 January 2030.

It is also important to note that sites with more than 20 MW of installed capacity may also be required to meet Schedule 24 (or CHP Ready) energy efficiency measures, or even be additionally permitted under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS).

Q: How can NFU Energy Help?

A: Here at NFU Energy we provide a range of services to support businesses in meeting MCPD requirements:

• Expert Guidance: We offer advice on understanding the directive’s regulations and how it impacts your business.
• Emissions Monitoring: Assist with regular emissions monitoring and reporting to ensure compliance with emission limits.
• Technical Support: Recommend necessary upgrades or changes to plant operations to meet the required standards.
• Permit Application Assistance: Our team can help prepare and submit MCPD permit applications, ensuring all regulatory requirements are met.
• Ongoing Compliance Management: Provide ongoing support to help businesses stay compliant and adapt to any regulatory changes in the future.

Our comprehensive services ensure that your business can meet MCPD requirements efficiently and effectively, minimising the risk of non-compliance.

At NFU Energy, we’re here to help. If you need support with MCPD compliance or guidance on your next steps, don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling 024 7669 6512 or email [email protected].