Environmental Permit - Medium Combustion Plant
Medium combustion plant (MCP) with thermal input between 1MW and 50MW require an environmental permit from the Environment …
Energy & Utilities
Energy and utilities
UK-wide
Environmental Permit - Part A(1) Installation
Large combustion plant (50MW thermal input and above) and other major industrial installations require a Part A(1) environmental permit.
Guide summary
Apply for a Part A(1) environmental permit from the Environment Agency if you run a large combustion plant (50MW thermal input or more). From 28 February 2026, new or refurbished power plants in England must also show a credible plan to decarbonise, including a report every 2 years. You must follow Best Available Techniques and may need a UK ETS permit if your plant exceeds 20MW.
- Apply to the Environment Agency for a Part A(1) permit
- Include a decarbonisation readiness report from 28 February 2026
- Report on your decarbonisation plan every 2 years after permit granted
- Demonstrate Best Available Techniques in your application
- Allow 12 to 18 months for the permit decision
- Pay an application fee of £10,000 to £50,000 or more
- Check if you need a UK ETS permit for combustion over 20MW
- Submit annual UK ETS emissions report by 31 March each year
- Surrender UK ETS allowances by 30 April each year
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What is a Part A(1) installation?
Part A(1) installations include combustion plant with thermal input of 50MW or more, refineries, and other major industrial processes with significant environmental impact.
Decarbonisation readiness (from Feb 2026)
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1
Submit bespoke permit application
Submit bespoke permit application to Environment Agency
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2
Include Environmental Impact Assessment
Include Environmental Impact Assessment if required
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3
Demonstrate BAT compliance
Demonstrate Best Available Techniques (BAT) compliance
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4
Include decarbonisation readiness
From Feb 2026, include decarbonisation readiness report
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5
Pay application fee
Pay risk-based application fee (typically £10,000-£50,000+)
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6
Allow determination time
Allow 12-18 months for determination of complex applications