Consultation on amendments to standard rules: Incorporation of decarbonisation readiness requirements, carbon capture at anaerobic digestion facilities and withdrawal of SR2009 No4

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Closes 18 Dec 2025

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Introduction

Decarbonisation readiness 

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has expanded the scope of the current Carbon Capture Readiness (CCR) requirements through the Environmental Permitting (Electricity Generating Stations) (Amendment) Regulations 2025. This added Schedule 25C to the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 (EPR).The new requirements are called decarbonisation readiness (DR) 

From 28 February 2026, operators applying for environmental permits will need to include a decarbonisation readiness (DR) report for certain new or substantially refurbished electricity generators. Operators will also need to maintain and review these reports. 

This consultation includes proposed new conditions which will be added to some standard rules to reflect the new decarbonisation readiness requirements. We are seeking your views on these conditions. 

Anaerobic digestion 

Some anaerobic digestion (AD) activities can currently be undertaken in accordance with standard rules permits. These standard rules do not 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. 

This consultation also include a  proposal to withdraw standard rules SR2009 No 4: combustion of biogas in engines at a sewage treatment works as we are of the opinion it is no longer required.  

This consultation will be of interest to: 

  • operators of in scope electricity generators and others that have an interest in decarbonisation. This will include operators and other businesses, trade associations, national and local government, non-governmental organisations, other regulators, academic institutions, individuals and community groups with an interest in decarbonisation, and 

  • existing or new operators of permitted AD plant who currently or would like to capture, upgrade and store carbon dioxide. 

What we are consulting on 

The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 (EPR) allow us to develop and amend standard rules for certain activities. We base the rules on our understanding of the risks and legislative requirements.   

We are asking for your views on: 

  • whether proposed conditions adequately incorporate the decarbonisation readiness requirements applicable to standard rules permit holders 

  • whether the proposed conditions for AD standard rules sets adequately enable the capture, upgrade and storage of carbon dioxide   

  • the removal and withdrawal of SR2009 No 4: combustion of biogas in engines at a sewage treatment works.  

We will use your responses to make any necessary improvements to the proposals.