Changes to standard rules permits for medium combustion plant and specified generators
Applies to England
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
We consulted on changes to standard rules permits for medium combustion plant (MCP) and specified generators (SGs). Ten responses were received.
Main decisions
We have decided to:
- correct NOx limit for SGs under 500 hours remains 190mg/Nm³
- amend SR2018 No 3 wording for abatement compliance without fixed timescales
- withdraw SR2018 No 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9 for new applicants from 28 February 2026; existing holders will move to simple bespoke permits free of charge
- add hydrogen and gas oil substitutes (for example hydrotreated vegetable oil) to relevant standard rules permits
- relax restrictions on stack configurations for low-use generators
Next steps
Implement amendments within 6 months and consult further on hydrogen production and mobile MCPs.
Original consultation
Consultation description
We are proposing to:
- remove specific standard rules sets which are currently underused
- correct errors in tables in other standard rules
- add gas oil substitutes and hydrogen as a fuel
- remove the restriction on caps and cowls and horizontal stacks
The consultation is your opportunity to share insights, raise concerns or highlight unintended consequences that we might not have considered. This should lead to better informed decisions, more robust risk assessments and improved environmental and health protections.
Updates to this page
Published 15 September 2025
Last updated 19 January 2026
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Added the consultation response document.
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First published.
Update history
2026-01-19 09:02
Added the consultation response document.
2025-09-15 12:00
First published.