Symbion Power announces preferred bidder for Rwanda biogas project

US firm Symbion Power has announced engine-based power plant specialist Clarke Energy as the preferred bidder for two power plants in Rwanda which will generate biogas from beneath Lake Kivu.

According to the release, Clarke Energy will deliver approximately 25 of General Electric’s (GE) 3MW gas engines to Symbion Power’s Kivu 56 and KP1 power plants which are located on the shores of Lake Kivu.

“After a long and rigorous competitive process, we have selected Clarke Energy, using GE’s Jenbacher gas engines, as our preferred technology provider,” said Symbion Power founder and CEO Paul Hinks.

These two power projects at Lake Kivu will increase capacity by 81MW and significantly reduce the current cost of generation in Rwanda.”

Unlike conventional biogas, the gas produced beneath Lake Kivu consists of a mere 20% methane. The plan is to strip the carbon dioxide using water and then to put the gas into gas engines in power stations on the shores of the lake.

The electricity produced will be directed into Rwanda’s electricity distribution network.

“We are delighted to have been named preferred contractor by Symbion Power for these two key projects on the shores of Lake Kivu,” said Alan Fletcher, Clarke Energy’s managing director in Africa.

“Our proposed solution is able to deliver reliable supplies of sustainable energy and support jobs in Rwanda and the United Kingdom.”