Williand Biogas calls in administrators for major Devon plant

A biomethane plant located in Devon, South West England, has fallen into administration, four years after a worker died on site.
Williand Biogas LLP has called in administrations, having failed to attract investment to keep it in operation.
London-based administrators Moorfields Advisory Ltd are attempting to sell the leasehold of the business’s plant at Cullompton.
The 2022 accounts show the facility was more than £2.3 million (€2.1 million), with a £38.75 million (€35.73 million) loan, reported Devon Live.
The facility, which is located about 30km from Exeter, has a biogas production capacity of 1,000 m3/h.
In 2020, Carl Parsons, aged 34, died when he was electrocuted by high voltage overhead cables while working on a cherry picker at Willand Biogas.
Parsons was helping to clean the company’s large biogas tanks, with an inquest hearing that major health and safety failings led to his death.
A jury returned a conclusion of accidental death.
Andy Pear, a partner at Moorfields, said: “Unfortunately, the operator of the plant ran into difficulties and the LLP was not able to obtain the necessary investment to keep the site operational. Moorfields is now holding the site in standby mode whilst a buyer is sought for the facility.
“The site provides a great opportunity for an onward purchaser to operate a fully operable biomethane to grid plant in a short period. All required equipment is on location with attachment to RHI (renewable heat incentive) accreditation. In addition, the site provides opportunity for growth with space for an additional four to six additional digesters.”