Alfajiri Energy Corporation, a Canadian startup operating out of a private home, has been granted the opportunity by the Democratic Republic of Congo government to extract methane gas from the infamous “killer” Lake Kivu. This decision comes despite the company’s failure to meet the minimum financial requirements, as reported exclusively by Reuters.
According to Sonia Rolley’s investigative report, Alfajiri’s bid was selected through an auction held in 2022, marking the first of its kind in the nation. This auction was made possible by a 2015 law aimed at promoting transparency within the oil and gas industry. However, the selection of Alfajiri’s bid was marred by allegations of tampering with a technical report to favor the company.
Lake Kivu, known for its vast reserves of methane gas, is one of the three African lakes facing the risk of a limnic eruption. This rare natural disaster involves the sudden release of dissolved carbon dioxide from the depths of the lake, resulting in the formation of a deadly gas cloud. This gas cloud possesses the capability to cause asphyxiation, endangering wildlife, livestock, and human lives.
Despite the potential dangers associated with extracting methane from Lake Kivu, the decision to award the rights to Alfajiri Energy Corporation raises questions about the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and adherence to regulations within the oil and gas industry. This move also raises concerns about the exploitation of natural resources without considering the long-term environmental impacts.
The decision to grant Alfajiri Energy Corporation the rights to extract methane from Lake Kivu not only disregards the minimum financial requirements but also undermines the transparency and fairness promised by the 2015 law. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the future of Lake Kivu and the welfare of the local communities who depend on its resources for their livelihoods.
