KIS Group Secures USD 23 Million funding from responsAbility to Scale Bio-CNG® Projects in Southeast Asia
Jakarta, Indonesia, 3 July 2025 – KIS Group, a Singapore Headquartered clean technology leader, has secured up to USD 23 million in investment from responsAbility Investments AG, a Zurich-based impact asset manager. The funding will accelerate the company’s further expansion of Biogas/ BioCNG® projects in Southeast Asia, supporting the region’s shift to low-carbon energy.
With nearly two decades of experience, KIS Group has delivered over 60+ high-tech Biogas & BioCNG® projects across Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, UAE, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and other emerging markets. The company specializes in all types of organic & agricultural waste—such as Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) and Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB), animal manures , rice straw etc —into clean fuels like Biogas, BioCNG® & BioLNG.
“This first funding round marks a significant milestone in our journey,” said K. R. Raghunath, Founder & CEO of KIS Group. “We are grateful to responsAbility for their trust and long-term partnership. With this support, we aim to commission six new BioCNG® projects by 2026, scale up to 25 projects by 2027, and reach 100 plants by 2029.”
Stefan Issler, Head of Climate Infrastructure Investments at responsAbility, commented:
“We are excited to partner with KIS Group as they expand their innovative waste-to-energy solutions across Southeast Asia. Their approach not only supports the shift to cleaner fuels but also contributes to a more circular and sustainable industrial ecosystem. This investment reflects our commitment to accelerating climate-resilient infrastructure in emerging markets.”
Suhasini Singh, Head of Sustainable Food Debt / Country Director India at responsAbility, said: “Our partnership with KIS is an important step towards catalysing agriculture waste to energy solutions in SE Asia and underlines our commitment towards decarbonizing the global food system. The investment strongly complements our funds’ investment thesis of supporting high impact businesses that promote climate smart agriculture practices.”
“We also extend our sincere thanks to the Corporate Finance team from KPMG in Singapore, our trusted Financial Advisor.” Raghunath added.
The investment will support the development of multiple BOOM model (Build-Own-Operate-Manage) bio-energy plants in Indonesia, where KIS Group has already commissioned its first two BioCNG® projects in partnership with Unilever, a key off-taker and long-term collaborator. These projects will convert methane emissions into green fuel, create rural employment, and strengthen Indonesia’s leadership in renewable energy. The waste-to-energy industry holds strong potential in accelerating the climate transition and energy security , especially in Asia where there are higher volumes of agriculture waste.
Sumit Punwani, Partner, Head of Capital Markets Services, Corporate Finance, Deal Advisory, KPMG in Singapore said: “KPMG is honoured to be the Financial Advisor for KIS Group. The partnership between KIS Group and ResponsAbility, is a vital waste-to-energy initiative in Asia as it aims to drive the transition to clean energy, align industrial growth with environmental stewardship, and create lasting impact toward a circular economy supported by clean, local fuels.”
Signing Ceremony Highlights
The signing ceremony was held in Jakarta and attended by senior representatives from both organizations. Distinguished guests included officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry (BKPM) and the Directorate General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE). Key business partners such as Unilever, SIPEF Group, AEP Group and Sinarmas Group were also present, reflecting strong industry support for KIS Group’s bio-energy initiatives.