Secure Your Medium Combustion Plant (MCP) Permit With Confidence

Businesses operating medium combustion plants can get expert support with their permit applications.

We assess your permit type requirements
We liaise with regulatory bodies on your behalf
You can focus on your core activities knowing that your application is correctly submitted

“Working with the team was brilliant. They were professional, courteous, and really helpful. Without a doubt, we wouldn’t be where we are today if they hadn’t held our hand.”

Tom Riddle New Design Group

“Cura Terrae’s services are flexible, professional and helpful. We have benefited from a range of capabilities, their responsiveness, and the way they conduct their business.”

John Atkinson Head of Health, Safety and Environment

“We’ve achieved considerable benefits to the project both in significant financial benefits and sustainable benefits, this would not have been achievable without the team’s assistance.”

Gary Parkinson Project Manager

What is a Medium Combustion Plant Permit?

A medium combustion plant is any facility or equipment that burns (combusts) materials and has a rated thermal input between 1and 50 MW. Medium combustion plants are regulated under the Medium Combustion Plant Directive (EU) 2015, meaning a permit is required to operate them. However, some medium combustion plants are excluded from the Directive and others may be subject to additional regulations. Our consultants can help you understand which legislation you must comply with.

When is a Medium Combustion Plant Permit required?

The deadline for having a MCP Permit depends on when the plant was installed. From 20 December 2018, all new MCPs were required to have an environmental permit. For existing MCPs (operating before 20 December 2018) it depends on the rated thermal input. It is breaking the law to operate without a permit when you should have one. Some medium combustion plants are excluded from the Directive and others may be subject to additional regulations. Our consultants can help you understand which legislation you must comply with.

Why is a Medium Combustion Plant Permit necessary?

Medium Combustion Plant Permits regulate emissions of harmful pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and dust, helping to safeguard human and environmental health. Permits will specify emissions limits which must be met, with stricter limits if the combustion plant is in an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) or near an important ecological site.

How long does it take to obtain a Medium Combustion Plant Permit?

The timeframe for receiving a Medium Combustion Plant Permit will vary depending on site- and equipment-specific factors. Applications for standard permits may be approved more quickly, whereas bespoke permits can take longer due to the situational details that need to be considered. Our team will ensure the process is efficient, whilst also completed with accuracy and great attention to detail.

What can you expect from our MCP Permit service?

Our expert consultant will guide you through the entire MCP Permit application process, from helping you understand which type of permit you need, to preparing the required documentation and liaising with the relevant regulatory body. We will help to ensure that you are compliant and that air pollution risks from your operations are mitigated.

Key sectors

Medium combustion plants are used in a wide range of sectors.

Industry & Manufacturing

Heat or steam for industrial processes may be generated by boilers, furnaces, or combined heat and power systems (CHP) which are directly within the range of the Medium Combustion Plant Directive, requiring a permit.

Energy & Utilities

Energy generation sites with combustion plant capacity between 1–50 MW fall under the Medium Combustion Plant Directive and may require a permit. This includes backup generators for large buildings such as hospitals or data centres.

Waste & Water

Combustion plants within the Medium Combustion Plant Directive range of 1-50 MW may be used in wastewater treatment processes or to generate energy from waste materials and/or gases.