Clarke Energy’s First Membrane-Based Biogas Upgrading Plant in India Installed in Chennai

The successful commissioning of Clarke Energy’s first membrane-based biogas upgrading plant in India marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to delivering low-carbon energy solutions across the region. The project was completed at a municipal solid waste anaerobic digestion facility operated by Srinivas Waste Management Private Limited (SWMS) in Chetpet, Chennai, supporting India’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy.

At the SWMS facility, biodegradable food waste from the surrounding urban area is processed into biogas and soil improver. This approach delivers both environmental and social benefits to the local community while contributing to the development of a circular economy.

The project directly supports India’s SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) initiative, which aims to establish 5,000 bio-CNG plants nationwide. Achieving these ambitions requires efficient, scalable, and locally manufactured biogas upgrading technologies. At the Chennai site, an existing pressure swing adsorption system was replaced with a more efficient and future-ready membrane-based solution.

Clarke Energy delivered a fully integrated membrane-based biogas upgrading system capable of processing 600 Nm³ per hour of raw biogas into high-purity biomethane. This installation represents the first biogas upgrader system fully designed, developed, and manufactured in India by Clarke Energy’s local operations, combining international engineering expertise with local execution.

The system includes a biogas dryer, scrubber, low-pressure compressor, a two-stage membrane separation system, and complete instrumentation and interconnection piping. Key components were sourced locally, supporting competitive delivery timelines while enhancing sustainability outcomes.

Initial commissioning results confirm that performance levels are being achieved at part load, with methane purity exceeding 97.4% and low methane losses. Compared with conventional pressure swing adsorption systems, the membrane-based upgrader offers higher methane recovery, modular scalability, and the potential for lower operational costs, making it well suited to urban waste-to-energy applications.

This project demonstrates Clarke Energy’s capability to deliver advanced renewable gas solutions that support India’s clean energy goals. As part of Rehlko’s portfolio of sustainable infrastructure businesses, Clarke Energy continues to provide regionally tailored, future-ready energy solutions that combine innovation, quality, and long-term customer support.