What is it?
The Large Combustion Plant Directive (LCPD) is a policy set by the EU. It enforces strict environmental compliance, setting limits for the amount of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and dust particulates that each coal or oil-fired plant can emit. All such combustion plants built after 1987 must adhere to these rules and must close by 2015.
The loss of capacity under the LCPD enters its first critical year in 2013, with three UK coal-fired power plants totalling 4.2GW scheduled to close in April.
What it Means for You?
The new system is designed to boost investment in renewables, nuclear, and further down the line, carbon capture and storage. The energy deficit in the UK will push up costs for British consumers, increasing the numbers of those in fuel poverty. The closure of such a large amount of domestic power plants will eliminate any power reserves the country has, putting lives at risk should the weather get as cold as it was in late 2009.
