Preparing for the MCP Directive

The Medium Combustion Plants (MCP) Directive (EU) 2015/2193 was adopted in 2015 to limit emissions to atmosphere from boilers and other stationary combustion plant in the 1-50 MW(thermal input) range. It covers all fuel types. The Directive was implemented in Irish legislation by SI 595 of 2017, European Union (Medium Combustion Plants) Regulations 2017.

The SI sets emission limit values (ELVs) from new combustion plants from 2018, while operators of existing MCPs will have longer to comply with stricter emission standards.

Summary of Requirements

The following are the key deadlines:

December 2018: Deadline date for “existing” plant. From that date all new plant must meet ELVs for new plant.

November 2023: Existing plant > 5 MW must apply to the EPA to be registered

January 2025: Existing plant > 5 MW must meet relevant ELVs

November 2028: Existing plant < 5 MW must apply to the EPA to be registered

January 2030:Existing plant < 5 MW must meet relevant ELVs

Most boilers in Ireland are fueled using either natural gas or diesel (gas oil). The following emission limit values will apply (for other fuels please consult the Directive):

For existing combustion plant > 5 MW the following ELVs apply from January 2025:

NO_x – 200 mg/Nm³ – natural gas and gas oil (boilers)

NO_x – 190 mg/Nm³ – natural gas and gas oil (engines)

For existing combustion plant < 5 MW the following ELVs apply from January 2030:

NO_x – 250 mg/Nm³ (natural gas) - 200 mg/Nm³ (gas oil) (boilers)

NO_x – 190 mg/Nm³ (natural gas) – 250 mg/Nm³ (gas oil) (engines)

For new plant (post December 2018) the following ELVs apply:

NO_x – 100 mg/Nm³ (natural gas) – 200 mg/Nm³ (gas oil) (boilers)

NO_x – 95 mg/Nm³ (natural gas) – 190 mg/Nm³ (gas oil) (engines)

March 2018