Tight permitting deadlines clarified for sites with larger medium combustion plants

Environmental Permitting Regulations, in regard to medium combustion plant (MCP) exhaust gases, have seen an important new update.

While all new MCP (1-50MWth) require a Permit prior to operation, the MCP Regulations allowed a transition period for existing (as of 2018) plant. The clarification from the EA reminds Operators which states any site in England and Wales (similar deadlines are in place for Scotland and Northern Ireland) with an existing MCP (generating 5 - 50 megawatts of thermal output), must have a permit in place by 1st January 2024.

In addition, by 1st January 2025, these sites must be able to comply with their permits, and associated emission limits, which may require plant upgrades. The deadlines were clarified by the Environment Agency on 28th December 2022.

For those sites affected, this will likely mean making an application in the first half of 2023 to get through the determination period and meet the deadlines. This news will likely impact large onsite heat and power plants in buildings and premises across various sectors. This includes schools, universities, hospitals, prisons, offices, residential blocks, and many other sites.

The 2018 medium combustion plant directive (MCPD) was introduced to address exhaust gases from MCPs (1-50 MWth) and support improved health and biodiversity by placing more controls on emissions from these systems. However, as we move into 2023, the recent clarification has highlighted that urgent permitting deadlines are quickly coming into view.

Stantec’s Chris Berryman, Technical Director, Environmental Permitting & Regulatory Compliance commented: Our Planning & Permitting Team has extensive experience and a proven track record in providing a range of Environmental Permitting advice and support for clients across the water, energy, commercial and industrial sectors. 

“Our experts are available to help operators efficiently navigate permitting processes and remain compliant. These deadlines are approaching quickly and it’s important that operators understand their responsibilities when it comes to medium combustion plants and act now to avoid falling short.”

If you are responsible for medium combustion plants across your sites, find out more about how Stantec can help you meet the recent update to the MCPD. Get in touch with Chris Berryman by email: chris.berryman@stantec.com or contact Senior Associate, Philip Branchflower at: philip.branchflower@stantec.com. 

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