Kigali, April 29, 2025 –Rwanda, known for its stunning landscapes and tourist sites, is also making strides in the field of oil and gas exploration, particularly in harnessing methane gas from Lake Kivu. This resource has become a crucial component of Rwanda's energy strategy, contributing significantly to its national grid.

Methane Gas Contribution

Lake Kivu located in Rwanda’s western province  holds vast reserves of methane gas beneath its deep waters. Two major projects, Kivuwatt and Shema Power Lake Kivu (SPLK), are pivotal in extracting this resource for electricity generation. Kivuwatt alone contributes 26 MW, while SPLK adds an additional 50 MW to the national grid. Together, these projects account for 76 MW of Rwanda's on-grid electricity capacity, constituting 27% of the total available capacity.

Exploration Efforts and Potential

Rwanda is actively pursuing further exploration initiatives to expand its oil and gas portfolio. Key data gathered includes extensive marine gravity and magnetic surveys spanning 3438 kilometers, seismic reflection studies covering 514 kilometers, and high-resolution 2D seismic data amounting to 466 kilometers. Additionally, comprehensive geochemical analysis data has been instrumental in assessing the potential of the Lake Kivu Basin.

The Lake Kivu Basin shows promising signs for future exploration with:

• Identification of 12 exploration leads and traps, indicating substantial hydrocarbon prospects.
• Sediments reaching depths of up to 5 kilometers beneath the lake bed, suggesting significant resource potential.
• Geological similarities to productive basins like Lokichar in Kenya and the Albertine basin in Uganda further enhance the attractiveness of the region for oil and gas exploration.

Economic and Environmental Implications

The development of Rwanda's oil and gas sector holds significant economic promise, potentially reducing reliance on imported energy sources and fostering domestic energy security. 

What lies ahead? 

Rwanda's strategic focus remains on sustainable extraction practices and maximizing the economic benefits of its natural resources. Continued investment in advanced exploration technologies and partnerships with international firms are expected to drive further discoveries and enhance operational efficiencies.