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GasMeth Energy Ltd has announced a further USD 170 million investment in its flagship methane extraction and processing project on Lake Kivu, Rwanda, raising the total capital commitment to over USD 560 million. The move represents a major boost to Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to expand access to cleaner, domestically produced energy and reduce reliance on imported fuels.
According to Stephen Tierney, Chief Executive Officer of GasMeth Energy, the first phase of the project, valued at just over USD 360 million, is nearing completion. “At this stage, all of the lake sites and onshore facilities are largely complete, and offshore work has commenced,” Tierney said. He added that key infrastructure components — including the main barge hull, pumps, compressors, and other critical equipment — are currently under fabrication.
Once fully operational by 2027, the Lake Kivu facility is expected to produce 40 million cubic feet of gas per day, significantly contributing to Rwanda’s domestic and industrial energy requirements. “The project will help meet Rwanda’s growing demand for cooking gas and automotive fuels, while reducing dependence on imported energy,” Tierney noted.
The agreement for the venture was first signed in 2019 between GasMeth Energy and the Government of Rwanda, but progress was initially slowed by complex financing arrangements and global supply chain disruptions. Tierney acknowledged that finalizing gas off-take agreements and sourcing highly specialized technical components took longer than planned.
However, the project has since regained strong momentum, supported by both the Rwandan government and international financiers such as the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). Located in Karongi District’s Bwishyura Sector, the facility began preliminary work in 2022 and currently employs about 250 workers. That figure is expected to triple next year as full-scale construction advances.
Tierney highlighted the project’s broader environmental and social impact, emphasizing its role in lowering energy costs, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable energy consumption. “This initiative will help cut CO₂ emissions, improve air quality, and reduce reliance on wood and charcoal — major contributors to deforestation,” he said.
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Findings from the 2024 Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey reveal that approximately 75% of Rwandan households still rely on firewood for cooking, while only 5.4% use gas, biogas, or electricity. By expanding access to methane-derived energy, GasMeth’s initiative — alongside existing projects such as KivuWatt and Shema Power Lake Kivu — could mark a pivotal step not only for Rwanda but also for Africa’s clean energy transition, positioning lake methane as a sustainable and scalable energy resource for the continent.
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