Guide

Environmental Permit - Medium Combustion Plant

Medium combustion plant (MCP) with thermal input between 1MW and 50MW require an environmental permit from the Environment Agency.

Last updated: 16 February 2026

Manufacturing & EngineeringEnergy & Utilities UK-wide

What is a Medium Combustion Plant?

MCP is any combustion plant with a rated thermal input between 1MWth and 50MWth, burning any fuel. This includes:

• Combined heat and power (CHP) plants
• Backup generators
• Boilers and engines
• Gas turbines

Permit deadlines

Key compliance dates:

• New MCP (from Dec 2018): Permit required before operation
• Existing 5-50MWth: Permit required by 1 January 2024
• Existing 1-5MWth: Permit required by 1 January 2029

Emission limit values

MCP permits set limits for:

• Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
• Particulate matter (dust)

1. Determine plant classification

   Determine if your combustion plant is 1-50MWth thermal input

2. Identify deadline

   Identify whether plant is new or existing (affects deadline and requirements)

3. Apply for permit

   Apply for permit via Environment Agency online system

4. Pay application fee

   Pay application fee (varies by plant type and complexity)

5. Implement monitoring systems

   Implement emission monitoring and reporting systems

6. Submit annual returns

   Submit annual returns to Environment Agency

Apply for an MCP environmental permit

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