Lake Kivu methane gas power plant
Location: Rwanda
Powerplant capacity: 56 MW
Engines: 19 × MWM TCG 2032B V16 gas engines
Scope of SAI Supply:
- Acoustic study with predictive noise mapping
- Complete exhaust systems
- Engine hall ventilation
Transforming methane into clean energy
The Lake Kivu methane Gas Power Plant in Rwanda represents one of the world’s most innovative energy projects. By capturing and converting methane dissolved in the deep waters of Lake Kivu into electricity, the plant not only provides a cleaner and more affordable energy source but also helps mitigate the environmental risks associated with methane accumulation in the lake.
With a total generation capacity of 56 MW, the power plant supplies reliable electricity to the national grid – a major step forward in Rwanda’s goal to replace costly diesel-powered generation with sustainable, locally produced energy.
SAI supply: Engine hall ventilation & exhaust systems
For this unique biogas power station, SAI was selected to design and supply 19 sets of auxiliary equipment – including complete engine hall ventilation package and fully stainless steel exhaust systems – for the MWM gas engines installed on site.
The ventilation units provide an airflow of 135,000 m³/h per engine, ensuring the removal of heat generated by the engines, alternators, and other auxiliaries inside the engine halls. In total, over 2.5 million cubic meters of air per hour are extracted and renewed, maintaining safe and stable operating conditions.
On the exhaust side, SAI supplied reactive and dissipative silencers providing over 45 dB(A) noise attenuation, designed to achieve the project’s stringent acoustic target of 65 dB(A) at 10 meters.
The entire exhaust system was manufactured in 316L stainless steel, offering excellent corrosion resistance against the aggressive by-products of biogas combustion. All exhaust lines were delivered with heat insulation kits to minimize heat dissipation inside the engine hall.
Advanced Acoustic Engineering
Due to the site’s exceptional topography – located between the lake and a steep cliff – SAI carried out an acoustic study with predictive noise mapping.
All noise sources were analysed, including:
- Inlet ventilation units and air outlet
- Engine intake and exhaust systems
- Coolers on the buildings’ roofs
- Transformers
- Building façades…
The results of the acoustic study enabled the correct sizing of the ventilation silencers, exhaust silencers and selection of an optimized building acoustic cladding.
SAI, committed to supporting Africa’s energy transition
The Lake Kivu project is more than a power generation facility — it is a symbol of clean energy transition in Africa. By transforming naturally occurring methane into electricity, Rwanda is leveraging its own resources to deliver sustainable, diversified, and affordable power to its people.
SAI is proud to have contributed its expertise in industrial acoustics, air filtration, and ventilation to one of the most ambitious renewable energy projects in Africa.