Briefing: What new limits mean for medium plants

What is the Medium Combustion Plant Directive?

The Medium Combustion Plant (MCP) Directive forms part of the EU’s Clean Air Policy Package (2013) for medium-sized combustion plants with a rated thermal input of between 1 and 50 megawatts. It requires all medium-sized combustion plants in scope to be registered or permitted, setting limits on their emissions according to their type, size, age, fuel type and annual operating hours. By regulating emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and dust into the air, the directive aims to reduce air pollution and lessen the risks to human health and the environment.