BB Energy Invests in Rwanda’s First Indigenous Natural Gas Developer “Gasmeth Energy”

This naturally occurring gas will be separated from the lake waters and processed into Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), a non-fossil biogas, to replace conventional fuels.

CNG will substitute gasoline, diesel, and coal, and will be used across the transport, industrial, and power generation sectors in Rwanda. It will also replace the use of wood for cooking and heating. The project will provide an abundant source of domestically produced natural gas to transform the Rwandan economy, breaking the dependence on importation of fuels. Furthermore, it will represent a significant step towards a green, secure, and affordable future for the Rwandan’s people.

Gasmeth Energy has been awarded a 25-year concession by the Government of Rwanda to extract up to 40 MMscf per day of methane gas from the deep, methane-rich waters of Lake Kivu. Covering approximately 2,700 square kilometres, the lake has naturally elevated methane concentrations in its permanently stratified deep water.

By investing in Gasmeth Energy, BB Energy will contribute to the improvement of health and socio-economic conditions of the Rwandan’s people while reducing GHG emissions by approximately 7.05 million tonnes of CO2e over the next 25 years.  SP Rwanda which is part of BB Energy Group’s downstream business will provide its expertise and retail network to distribute CNG to the market.

Mohamed Bassatne, CEO of BB Energy Group said: “Our investment forms part of BB Energy’s strategy to provide sustainable and affordable solutions to the energy transition and the fight against climate change. This project will contribute to the UN SDG7 on clean energy, SDG13 on climate action, and SDG8 on decent work and economic growth.    The project will reduce the GHG emissions in the country, tap into Rwanda’s gas resources and as a result reduce Rwanda’s energy import bill.  We will support Gasmeth Energy with SP Rwanda’s advanced resources to distribute CNG to the local market.”

Stephen Tierney, Group CEO Gasmeth, commented: “We are pleased to work closely with BB Energy in bringing sustainable, carbon-efficient fuel to the local market. Our combined efforts will allow us to drive the methane extraction project further, capitalize on our shared industry expertise, and support the Rwandan economy by providing jobs to the local population. The transformational project will bring impactful economic, environmental, and social benefits to the people of Rwanda.”

Egide Gatera, Gasmeth’s Chairman, added: “I am thrilled to have BB Energy join Gasmeth’s investor pool. This, again, validates the attractiveness of Rwanda as an investment destination as well as efforts made by all in Rwanda towards sustainable development and clean energy.”

Gasmeth project visualization on Rwanda’s Lake Kivu

This investment in Gasmeth follows the October 2022 launch of BB Energy’s Improved Cookstove (ICS) initiative in Rwanda. In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, BB Energy is providing 200,000 efficient cookstoves to households across the country, free of charge.  In replacing the traditional three-stone fire cooking method, the new stoves significantly reduce deforestation and harmful household emissions. The initiative is part of a wider agreement signed between BB Energy and the Ministry of Environment to support Rwanda in its fight against climate change.

Media Contacts
Lara Koujou / Karim Bassatne
T: +971 4 432 8300
E: corporatecommunications@bbenergy.com

About BB Energy
BB Energy Group is one of the world’s leading independent energy trading companies, with over 50 years of experience in the energy sector and a fast-growing renewable energy and emission reduction division.  The Group has c. 500 employees in 12 offices spanning five continents, with key trading hubs in London, Dubai, Singapore, and Houston.  The Group’s growth strategy is focused on sustainable energy commodities and projects, implemented through geographical expansion in new markets, product diversification, and acquisitions. BB Energy’s Renewable Division was established in January 2020 to manage investments in renewable energy and carbon emission reduction projects.

About GasMeth
GasMeth Energy LTD (“GasMeth”), a company focussed toward high impact or transformational energy projects was awarded a 25 year Concession Agreement by the Government of Rwanda to extract methane gas from the deep, Methane rich waters of Lake Kivu. The project includes producing the gas (held in solution in the water), processing it on barges tethered in the lake, piping it to shore, compressing and distributing it as Compressed Natural Gas (“CNG”) within Rwanda. The aim of the project is to provide a long term, environmentally friendly and affordable source of domestically produced gas. The CNG will replace other fuels on the market such as; gasoline, diesel fuel, peat, coal, wood and LPG. The primary use of the gas will be in the transportation, industrial, household, and power generation sectors in Rwanda and eventually, an export gas.

Media Contacts

Karim Bassatne
Head of Corporate Communications
T: +971 4 432 8300
E: corporatecommunications@bbenergy.com