Explosive No More: The Congo Nile Trail’s Clean Energy Stop

Do you know that Lake Kivu, right on the Congo Nile Trail route, holds a powerful secret? Beneath the lake’s tranquil surface lies one of the world’s largest reserves of methane gas — and Rwanda is using it in a groundbreaking way.

Methane is a natural gas found underground and in deep lakes. It’s colourless, odourless, and highly flammable, but when carefully managed, it becomes a potent source of electricity.

Before the methane gas initiative, Busoro, a village not far from Gisenyi, was seen as one of Lake Kivu’s most forgotten settlements. Then everything changed with the arrival of KivuWatt power plant. Many locals are now involved in work that revolves around it, from construction and maintenance to hospitality and tourism.

During a hike or bike ride on the Congo Nile Trail, you can stop to marvel at this unique gas recovery site. The plant is the world’s first methane extraction project from a lake and a story of innovation, sustainability, and the power of nature. In fact, there’s a long-term plan for it to meet all the electricity needs of Rwanda’s 14 million citizens!

You can combine your visit with:

• a traditional Rwandan lunch in Busoro
• a short walk through the village
• a peaceful pause on the lakeshore

Kivu’s older generations sometimes feared the lake, thinking it might be dangerous or even haunted. Today’s communities understand that the gas is real, and more importantly, that Rwanda is using it safely. The methane gas levels are constantly monitored, and the extraction is careful. Moreover, removing the gas in a controlled way reduces the risk of otherwise rare natural eruptions.

But can you “see” the methane gas presence with your own eyes? If you look closely, especially near certain spots, you might notice tiny bubbles rising from the depths — a subtle sign of the gas activity happening far below.

While others come to Lake Kivu for boat rides, coffee tours or sunsets, in Busoro you can explore the lake in a way that is as cutting-edge as it gets!

text and photos by Enock Musabyimana