Oct 28, 2025

On 23rd October, the EA launched a consultation entitled ‘Consultation on amendments to standard rules: Incorporation of decarbonisation readiness requirements, carbon capture at anaerobic digestion facilities and withdrawal of SR2009 No4.’

The consultation covers proposed amendments to several standard rules sets maintained under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016, specifically:

  • Whether the proposed conditions adequately incorporate Decarbonisation Readiness (DR) requirements applicable to standard-rules permit holders
  • Whether the proposed conditions for anaerobic digestion (AD) standard-rules sets adequately enable the capture, upgrade, and storage of carbon dioxide
  • The proposed withdrawal of SR2009 No 4: Combustion of biogas in engines at a sewage treatment works

Context

DESNZ has set out new obligations in the Environmental Permitting (Electricity Generating Stations) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, which expand the scope of current Carbon Capture Readiness requirements, called decarbonisation readiness (DR). From 28 February 2026, operators applying for permits for certain new or substantially refurbished electricity-generating combustion power plant will be required to include and maintain a DR report throughout the lifetime of the plant.

This consultation includes proposed new conditions which will be added to some standard rules to reflect the new decarbonisation readiness requirements.

Standard rules for AD do not currently allow upgrading to biomethane involving carbon capture and temporary storage for utilisation. A bespoke permit is required for this. This consultation includes proposed new conditions which will be added to existing anaerobic digestion standard rules in the future. Where operators can meet these, they will be able to undertake carbon capture, upgrade and storage for use.

Separately, the EA is proposing new standard-rules conditions to support carbon-capture activity at AD facilities and to withdraw SR2009 No 4.

You can view the full call for evidence here. The closing date for responses is 18th December 2025. Please share any comments with [email protected] by 5th December 2025.