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The large combustion plants directive

The so-called LCP directive (2001/80/EC) was adopted in 2001. It covers plants with a rated thermal capacity of at least 50 MW, and sets emission standards for both new and existing plants.

The directive contains emission limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and dust, varying according to the age and capacity of the plants, as well as the type of fuel burned.

In December 2007, the Commission proposed draft legislation to further reduce emissions from industrial installations regulated under the 1996 integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC) directive.

The idea is now to merge the IPPC directive and six sectoral directives, including the LCP directive, into a single new industrial emissions directive. Minimum emission limit values in certain industrial sectors should be tightened – particularly for large combustion plants where progress to reduce pollution is insufficient.

It is also proposed that the scope be extended to include medium-sized combustion plants, i.e. between 20 and 50 megawatts thermal input.