GCPF to Invest in KIS Group to Scale Waste-to-Energy Infrastructure in Southeast Asia

Zurich, 2nd July 2025 – As part of responsAbility’s broader climate investment strategy, the Global Climate Partnership Fund (GCPF) will invest USD 9 million in KIS Group, a Singapore-based company that provides sustainable clean technologies for the waste-to-energy and related sectors. This investment forms part of a total USD 23 million commitment from responsAbility-managed funds aimed at catalyzing sustainable development in emerging markets through innovative, climate-focused investments.

Headquartered in Singapore, KIS Group is pioneering sustainable energy transformation across South and Southeast Asia through its waste-to-energy technologies. With nearly two decades of experience, KIS delivers turnkey solutions that convert industrial and domestic waste into clean fuels. By enabling efficient waste management and offering cost-effective renewable alternatives to fossil fuels, KIS helps clients reduce operational costs by up to 30% while advancing their decarbonization goals.

Enabling Clean Energy from Waste in Southeast Asia

KIS Group brings over 18 years of experience in waste treatment and has successfully implemented waste-to-energy EPC projects across Indonesia, India, and similar markets. The company offers end-to-end solutions for converting various types of liquid and solid waste such as Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) and Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) into clean fuels like Biogas and BioCNG, along with advanced water and wastewater treatment systems. Since inception, KIS has executed over 60 projects for leading clients including Unilever, Cargill, LG, and SIPEF, with a strong operational footprint in India and Indonesia. These projects help stakeholders manage waste more efficiently while reducing their carbon footprint by replacing fossil fuels with cleaner, cost-effective alternatives. The proposed funding will support the development and construction of multiple BOOT-model Bio-energy plants in Indonesia, further accelerating KIS’s role in the region’s renewable energy transition.

K. R. Raghunathan, Founder & CEO of KIS Group, said: “We extend our sincere thanks to responsAbility for investing in KIS Group. This funding round will enable us to build and commission six new BioCNG projects by 2026. We are excited to have responsAbility as our long-term strategic partner as we embark on our next phase of growth with an aim to build another 25 projects by 2027 and 100 projects by 2029. Over the last 2 years we have successfully commissioned our first two Biogas/BioCNG projects in Indonesia, thanks to the support of Unilever – our anchor off-taker and long-term partner for BioCNG. These projects aim to capture methane emissions that contribute to climate change and convert them into green fuel. By doing so, they are expected to diversify Indonesia’s energy portfolio through locally produced renewable fuels, create jobs in rural communities, and help position Indonesia as a regional leader in Biogas and BioCNG. We also extend our sincere thanks to the Corporate Finance team from KPMG in Singapore, our trusted Financial Advisor.”

Stefan Issler, Head of Climate Infrastructure Investments at responsAbility, said: “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.”

About KIS Group

KIS Group is a Singapore-based clean technology company specializing in sustainable waste-to-energy solutions across South and Southeast Asia. The company provides turnkey and BOOT-model infrastructure for converting industrial and agricultural waste into clean fuels. They also offer advanced water and wastewater treatment systems, supporting industries in reducing emissions, optimizing resource use, and advancing toward net-zero goals.

About responsAbility Investments AG

responsAbility Investments AG is a leading impact asset manager specializing in private market investments across three investment themes. These themes directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Financial Inclusion, to finance the growth of Micro & SMEs; Climate Finance, to contribute to a net zero pathway; and Sustainable Food, to sustainably feed an ever-growing population. All responsAbility investment solutions target specific measurable impact alongside market returns.

Since its inception in 2003, responsAbility has deployed over USD 16.3 billion in impact investments. With over 270 employees collaborating across 7 offices, as of 31 December 2024 the company manages USD 5.4 billion in assets across approximately 300 portfolio companies in around 70 countries. Since 2022, responsAbility has been part of M&G plc, the international savings, and investments business, and contributes to enhancing M&G’s capabilities in impact investing.