BIOENERGIE SCHUBY – A STRATEGIC MODEL FOR CLIMATE-NEUTRAL BIOMETHANE & BEYOND

Sustainable Development Goals

Project Status:
Completed | Operating Since 2017
Organizations Involved:
Niersberger Group, Bioenergie Schuby, Klean Industries, Nikola, Mercedes-Benz, Richter Group
Services:
Design & Engineering, Due Diligence, Consulting, Component Supply

Introduction

In a landmark initiative to reactivate a legacy biogas asset, Bioenergie Schuby GmbH, with project execution led by Niersberger Wohn und Anlagenbau GmbH & Co. KG, successfully recommissioned a biomethane production facility in northern Germany. The project converts agricultural waste into pipeline-quality renewable gas, showcasing a broader shift toward an integrated, low-carbon energy infrastructure.

More than just a standalone achievement, this facility also represents a strategic collaboration between Klean Industries Inc. and Niersberger Group. Rainer Dippold, founder of Niersberger, is a shareholder and member of Klean Industries’ Board of Directors. Their alliance is accelerating the deployment of advanced bioenergy and hydrogen solutions across Europe and North America.

The Challenge

The project team faced the formidable task of reconstructing and restarting a mono-fermentation facility that had fallen into disrepair following the insolvency of a previous operator. This required:

  • Full-scale engineering and site rehabilitation
  • Integration of modern biogas upgrading technology
  • A business model aligned with Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG)
  • Extensive stakeholder coordination from regional farmers to regulatory bodies

The vision extended far beyond reactivation: The goal was to create a climate-neutral, circular energy system capable of expansion into future decarbonization pathways.

The Solution

Phase 1: Strategic Project Development

Launched in 2015, the development process utilized sugar beets, a high-yield feedstock that yields between 85 and 95 Nm³ of methane per ton. By partnering with Nordzucker AG and farmers within a 15–35 km radius, the project secured a sustainable supply of up to 100,000 tons per year while supporting crop rotation and regional agriculture.

Phase 2: Engineering, Procurement & Construction

Beginning in mid-2016, Niersberger led the full EPC scope, delivering:

  • Two new fermenters and a modern wastewater treatment system
  • Eight 9,000 m³ storage tanks
  • Two 3,276 m³ round fermenters and three 3,000 m³ post-digesters
  • A biomethane upgrading system by Malmberg
  • Beet processing infrastructure from Putsch

The facility now injects 90 million kWh of renewable methane annually, equivalent to supplying the energy needs of approximately 41,000 people, and reduces truck trips by 4,000 annually, resulting in a reduction of 392,000 kg of CO₂.

Technology at a Glance

  • Feedstock: Sugar beets (85–95 Nm³ CH₄/t)
  • Annual Input: 100,000 tons
  • Annual Output: 90,000,000 kWh
  • CO₂ Savings: 392,000 kg/year
  • Tanks & Reactors: 13 total (including digesters and post-digesters)
  • Upgrading System: Malmberg
  • Processing Equipment: Putsch

Why Sugar Beets?

Sugar beets offer one of the highest methane yields among common agricultural substrates. They support crop rotation, avoid the monoculture issues associated with corn, and align with EU agricultural and climate policy goals.

The Strategic Relationship: Klean Industries & Niersberger

This project forms part of a broader energy infrastructure strategy championed by Klean Industries and Niersberger.

  • Rainer Dippold, founder of Niersberger, sits on Klean’s Board and is a key shareholder.
  • Niersberger is the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) partner for Klean's tire pyrolysis plants in Europe. They have also been selected as the EPC for the Reoil plant in Poland, which utilizes the technology and expertise of Klean Industries. This project leverages Klean's proprietary pyrolysis and carbon valorization technologies.

Together, the companies are scaling biogas and renewable fuel infrastructure, including:

  • Biogas upgrading for injection into existing gas grids
  • Methane pyrolysis to produce hydrogen for mobility
  • Integrated low-carbon fuel solutions for commercial transportation

These developments align with Klean's high-impact collaborations, such as its partnership with Nikola Corporation, delivering hydrogen mobility solutions and renewable fuel infrastructure across North America.

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A Platform for Hydrogen Mobility

The renewable methane produced at facilities like Schuby can be a precursor to decentralized hydrogen production through methane pyrolysis. This positions these projects as critical nodes in future hydrogen fuel networks, particularly for long-haul transport and heavy-duty vehicle applications.

In collaboration with Nikola Corporation and other mobility partners, Klean and Niersberger are laying the groundwork for clean hydrogen corridors that are supported by local energy resources and principles of the circular economy.

The Outcome

The Bioenergie Schuby project successfully reactivated a dormant asset into a state-of-the-art renewable energy hub. Key outcomes include:

  • Renewable biomethane production supplying tens of thousands of households
  • Measurable CO₂ and transport-related emissions reductions
  • Compliance with Germany’s strict EEG legislation
  • A scalable model for agriculture-based energy systems
  • Deepened collaboration between Klean Industries and Niersberger, with sights set on hydrogen, mobility, and circular economy infrastructure

"We see projects like Schuby not only as clean energy solutions but also as launchpads for integrated hydrogen ecosystems that advance both local energy independence and global decarbonization.” - Rainer Dippold, Klean Industries Board Member and Founder of Niersberger Group.

Looking Ahead

Building on the success of Bioenergie Schuby, Klean and Niersberger are actively exploring new biogas, hydrogen, and pyrolysis projects across Europe and North America. These initiatives will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of climate infrastructure by converting waste into clean energy, fueling zero-emission transportation, and creating value for both communities and investors.

Biomethane Powers Agriculture, Energy & Emission Reduction — Build the Future with Klean

Bioenergie Schuby is a blueprint for a circular bioeconomy converting farm and food waste into clean fuel, nutrient-rich digestate, and a more innovative, regenerative energy system.

Why Work with Klean Industries & Niersberger on Biogas & Biomethane?

✅ Proven anaerobic digestion + gas upgrading tech
✅ Grid-ready biomethane and bio-LNG output
✅ Fertilizer recovery and agricultural circularity
✅ Scalable systems tailored for EU regulations & subsidies

Partner with Klean Industries to develop carbon-neutral biomethane projects and lead the transformation of renewable gas across North America >> GO.

This project addresses the SDGs by considering the following goals and associated targets. Developing a sustainable waste treatment framework ensures sustainable consumption and production patterns (Goal 12). Through a safe and inclusive waste disposal system, the SDG strives to protect ecosystems and prevent biodiversity loss (Goal 15).