Symbion Power to develop a 50 MW IPP project in Rwanda

The Government of Rwanda’s Energy Water and Sanitation Authority (EWSA) has awarded Symbion Power a 50 MW Independent Power Production (IPP) project using methane gas from Lake Kivu, Rwanda.

Symbion will build, own and operate a 50 MW power station by constructing gas extraction facilities to lift, separate, and process methane gas, which is dissolved in the deep waters of Lake Kivu, and then deliver it to an on-shore generating facility located at Cape of Busororo in the Nyamyumba area of Rwanda. Lake Kivu contains 300 km3 of dissolved carbon dioxide and 55 to 60 km3 of methane gas accumulated and trapped at significant depth in the lake.

USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah stated:

We're very excited that with President Obama's recent announcement of tripling Power Africa's goals to now add 30,000 megawatts to sub-Saharan Africa, partners such as Symbion Power are exploring new opportunities in countries like Rwanda where they have never worked before. Through this new model of public-private partnership, we can expand opportunity for millions and drive growth at home and abroad.

Paul Hinks, Symbion CEO, commented:

Rwanda is an amazing investment destination. What President Kagame and his government have achieved over the past 20 years must represent the most incredible example of nation building in recent history. We have worked towards investing in Rwanda for the past three years and we are delighted by this new development.

Symbion’s IPP project will use Lake Kivu’s methane resources for a commercial benefit for the people of Rwanda, but it will also reduce the risk of an environmental disaster. Without the removal of methane and carbon dioxide, there is a risk of a sudden release of large quantities of these gases with a potentially catastrophic result.

Rather than just vent the 50-60 km3 of methane, Symbion will use the produced methane for power generation. The methane gas production will be used to power reciprocating gas engine generator sets producing 50 MW in a phased approach.