The ambitious project, located in Karongi District's Bwishyura Sector, aims to produce 40 million cubic feet of methane gas per day by 2027. This output is expected to meet a substantial portion of Rwanda's domestic and industrial energy needs, reducing reliance on imported liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and helping curb the country's carbon footprint.
GasMeth Energy's CEO, Stephen Tierney, told Business Insider Africa that the first phase of the project, which was valued at just over $360 million, is nearly complete.
'At this stage, all of the lake sites and onshore work are largely complete, and offshore work has commenced,' Tierney said, adding that essential infrastructure such as the key barge hull, pumps, and compressors are under fabrication.
Signed in 2019 between GasMeth and the Government of Rwanda, the project initially faced delays due to complex financing arrangements and global supply chain disruptions. Tierney explained that sourcing specialised equipment and securing confirmed gas off-takers took longer than anticipated.
Despite the setbacks, the project has regained momentum with strong support from both the Rwandan government and international financiers, including the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
Preliminary works began in 2022, and the project currently employs about 250 people. Employment is expected to triple as construction progresses over the coming months.
Beyond energy production, the initiative is poised to advance Rwanda's environmental goals. With roughly 75% of households still relying on firewood for cooking, the project promises a cleaner, more affordable alternative for households and industries.
Tierney emphasised that the methane-to-gas initiative will help cut CO₂ emissions, improve air quality, and reduce deforestation driven by wood and charcoal use.
The project joins existing methane facilities, including KivuWatt and Shema Power Lake Kivu, potentially positioning Rwanda as a continental leader in sustainable methane energy extraction. Analysts say this initiative could mark a turning point for Africa in harnessing lake methane as a reliable, eco-friendly energy source.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
