The Large Combustion Plant Directive (LCPD) is a European Union Directive that aims to reduce acidification, ground level ozone and particulates by controlling the emissions of sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen and dust from large combustion plant. Large power stations in the UK must comply with the LCPD.

All combustion plant built after 1987 must comply with the emission limits in LCPD.
Those power stations in operation before 1987 (namely coal and oil in the UK) are defined as 'existing plant'. Existing plant can either comply with the LCPD through installing emission abatement (Flue Gas Desulphurisation) equipment or 'opt-out' of the directive. An existing plant that chooses to 'opt-out' is restricted in its operation after 2007 and must close by the end of 2015.

For E.ON UK's coal and oil fired power stations this means:

• Ratcliffe is compliant with LCPD as it has FGD
• Ironbridge opted out and so will close by 2015
• Kingsnorth opted out and so will close by 2015
• Grain opted out and so will close by 2015