Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD)

The Medium Combustion Plant Directive forms part of the European Union’s (EU) Clean Air Policy Package (2013) for medium sized combustion plants rated between 1 and 50 MWt input. By regulating emissions of SO2, NOx and dust into the air, the MCPD aims to reduce air pollution and lessen the risks to human health and the environment.

The Directive requires all medium sized combustion plants to be registered or permitted, setting limits on the pollutant levels that these plans can emit according to their type, size, age, fuel type and annual operating hours.

From December 2018 all new plants will need to register (and be compliant), while existing plant will need to comply by 2025 and 2030, dependent on size. The MCPD will require permitting, measurement of emissions and compliance with emission limit values (ELVs). All registered plant will then require regular monitoring to prove compliance against the ELV.