Sale of an Anaerobic Digestion Plant

Burton Agnes Renewables Limited was a joint venture set up between the Dewhirst farming group and the Burton Agnes Estate to build and operate a 40 GWh gas-to-grid anaerobic digestion (“AD”) plant located on the Burton Agnes estate near Driffield. The plant is fed on rotational energy crops (such as maize and rye) with much of the energy crops grown on the Dewhirst and Burton Agnes arable farms, although there is also a proportion grown on neighbouring farmers’ land.  The previous shareholders will have a continuing role as the plant’s landlord, feedstock provider and digestate offtaker.

Future Biogas is one of the largest anaerobic digestion plant developers and biogas producers in the UK. It now owns majority stakes in ten AD plants and operates an additional AD plant. Future Biogas has operated Burton Agnes Renewables since 2021.

QMPF’s role included providing commercial and strategic advice on the sale to the shareholders.

Andrew Dougans, Partner at QMPF said “We are delighted to have advised on the successful sale of Burton Agnes Renewables AD plant. We are pleased to have supported the shareholders with commercial and strategic advice throughout the process and to see them continue their long-term involvement with the project as landlord, feedstock provider and digestate offtaker.”

Simon Cunliffe-Lister, Burton Agnes Renewables Ltd, said “We are pleased to have worked with QMPF to successfully complete the sale of the Burton Agnes Renewables AD plant. QMPF’s advice throughout proved invaluable and ongoing management of the transaction led to an efficient and well-run process.”