Americans Plan Major Investment in Methane Gas Processing on Lake Kivu

The U.S.-based company Symbion Power LLC plans to invest $700 million in a project to process methane gas in the part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) bordering Lake Kivu.

Through its subsidiary Symbion Power Lake Kivu Ltd, the company had previously signed an agreement with Rwanda in 2019 to invest $185 million in methane gas extraction from Lake Kivu, a project expected to generate 56 megawatts of electricity.

Symbion Power CEO Paul Hinks told the international news outlet Bloomberg that the company aims to boost electricity production from methane gas in Lake Kivu, targeting 140 megawatts to supply various parts of the DRC, including the city of Goma.

However, Hinks stressed that the project’s implementation depends on the restoration of peace and security in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, as only then will construction and processing activities be carried out without disruption.

Additionally, Symbion’s affiliate Hydro-Link plans to participate in a major $1.5 billion power transmission line project connecting Angola to the copper and cobalt mining regions of the DRC.

Massad Boulos, the U.S. Presidential Advisor on African Partnerships, said these American-led projects in the Great Lakes Region are part of the outcomes of the peace agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC on June 27.

Boulos stated: “Investments like this from American companies demonstrate the commitment to fostering long-term development in the region, while strengthening economic cooperation between the U.S., Rwanda, and the DRC.”

He added that Anzana Electric Group will also work with Rwanda and the DRC on the construction of the Ruzizi III hydropower plant, a project worth $760 million. Construction is expected to begin in January 2026 and be completed by 2030. The plant will have a capacity of 206 megawatts, aiming to supplement the region’s electricity supply.