JANUARY 2024 DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR MEDIUM COMBUSTION PLANT DIRECTIVE

Leading air quality and compliance expert, Bureau Veritas, is working together with Medium Combustion Plant (MCP) operators across the EU to secure mandatory Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD) permits ahead of the fast-approaching January 2024 deadline.

There are approximately 150,000 MCPs operating across the EU, generating electricity, providing residential heating and cooling, and supplying heat and steam for industrial purposes. Up until 2018, these MCPs were unregulated against the emissions of harmful pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.

With air pollution being the largest environmental risk to public health, contributing to more than 36,000 deaths a year in the UK and costing the economy an estimated £20 billion each year, there was a critical need for more regulation around the sector. As a result, in 2018 the MCPD was brought in to ensure the regulation of combustion plants with an aggregated rated thermal input between 1 and 50 megawatts (MW_th).

This Directive filled the regulatory gap that existed between large combustion plants (more than 50 MW_th), covered by the Industrial Emissions Directive, and smaller appliances (heaters and boilers below 1 MW_th) covered by the Eco-Design Directive. Initially, the MCPD applied to all new MCPs only (specifically those operating after 20 December 2018) and requires permits for plants between 1 and 50 MW_th to be in place by 1 January 2024.

Antony continues: “The great thing with the MCPD is as long as your business size and operations remain the same, the permit can last for several years (unless usurped by a newer regulation). However, the process of applying for the MCPD cannot be underestimated.

“The application process varies depending on the number of hours the combustion plant operates, the purpose of the MCP and its location. There are different environmental regulators in each region of the UK, each with slightly different processes and requirements for permit applications.

“Low risk plants can apply for simple/standard permits, with fewer requirements, which may take only a matter of months. Some more high-risk plants, such as those with sensitive human receptors, ecological receptors or Air Quality Management Areas nearby, may require a more complex or bespoke permit – and it’s these which have longer processing times. These may also require air quality dispersion modelling to predict pollutant concentrations.

“Due to the complex nature of navigating the process of the MCPD permit application, and the likely requirement for some form of air quality monitoring, partnering with a third-party and independent compliance expert can ensure as smooth a process as possible. At Bureau Veritas, we’re able to conduct any air quality monitoring, emissions screening, dispersion modelling and provide related consultancy advice, as well as applying for the permit on your behalf.”

Further supporting businesses to navigate the MCPD permit application, Bureau Veritas has created an on-demand webinar, available to watch here, along with a free MCPD guide which can be downloaded here. Firms will also be able to benefit from the following services:

• Reviewing your site activities and advising on appropriate permitting, monitoring and emission limit requirements for your plant
• Providing guidance on the process for obtaining an Environmental Permit
• Preparing the environmental permit application for your site(s)
• Undertaking relevant environmental risk assessments, including air quality assessment
• Supporting ongoing compliance with Environmental Permit conditions, including routine stack emissions testing

Bureau Veritas has vast experience and technical expertise in helping some of the world’s largest organisations improve their sustainability performance in a number of sectors. As part of the business’ Greenline services, Bureau Veritas undertakes ambient air quality monitoring and management, and assist with planning and permitting applications – the key aim being to ensure compliance with regulations and make sure environmental liabilities are identified and associated risks reduced.