On October 10, 2025, Clarke Energy, a subsidiary of Rehlko, announced the commissioning of its first membrane-based biogas upgrader in India. The facility is located at a municipal solid waste anaerobic digestion site in Chetpet, Chennai, operated by Srinivas Waste Management Services Private Limited (SWMS). This project marks a significant milestone for Clarke Energy, which has been present in India for 30 years and has installed nearly 2GW of low-carbon, renewable, and resilient power across India and Bangladesh.
The SWMS facility processes biodegradable organic food waste from the local region, converting it into biogas and soil improver, providing tangible sustainability benefits to the community. The project directly supports India’s SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) initiative, which aims to establish 5,000 bio-CNG plants nationwide. Clarke Energy’s membrane-based upgrader provides a scalable, efficient, and locally manufactured solution to meet these targets.
The new system upgrades 600 Nm³/hr of raw biogas into high-purity biomethane, replacing a conventional pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit. The integrated installation includes a biogas dryer, scrubber, low-pressure compressor, two-stage membrane separation system, and complete instrumentation and interconnection piping. Key components were sourced locally, ensuring competitive delivery timelines and sustainability advantages.
Initial commissioning confirmed methane purity exceeding 97.4%, while minimizing methane losses. According to Kyle Quinn, President of Clarke Energy, “This project marks the first biogas upgrader system fully designed, developed, and manufactured in India by Clarke Energy. It demonstrates how we are combining international expertise with local execution to deliver advanced renewable gas solutions that support India’s clean energy future.”
The commissioning of this facility coincides with the UK-India trade delegation, highlighting Clarke Energy’s long-standing presence in India. The company’s commitment to providing low-carbon, renewable, and resilient power solutions aligns with India’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable energy sources. The success of this project is expected to pave the way for further development of biogas upgrader systems in India, supporting the country’s transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.