Title: Degassing of the Gulf of Kabuno: A new crucial step in the preservation of Lake Kivu
Introduction :
The Minister of Hydrocarbons, Didier Budimbu, recently inaugurated the first industrial station of the Gulf of Kabuno degassing project, located in Goma, North Kivu. This step marks a major step forward in the fight against the threat of carbon dioxide dissolved in the waters of Lake Kivu, and constitutes an essential step for the preservation of the environment and the health of local residents. Let’s take a closer look at this initiative and its importance for the region.
Development :
After a pilot phase launched in 2017, the Kabuno Gulf degassing project is now moving to its industrial phase with the opening of the first station. This station, built by the French company Limnological Engineering, will extract carbon dioxide or carbon dioxide present in the waters of Lake Kivu, which constitutes a threat to human health and the environment.
According to Minister Didier Budimbu, it will take at least three stations to completely clean up this part of Lake Kivu. The recently inaugurated station is only the first in a series, and the other two stations will be delivered gradually in the coming years. Once all three stations are operational, it will take another year or two to ensure that degassing is carried out completely and efficiently.
It is crucial to emphasize that the degassing of the Gulf of Kabuno aims exclusively to eliminate carbon dioxide, and should not be confused with the exploitation of methane gas for electricity production. When the CO2 is extracted, measures will be taken to absorb this gas which is harmful to human health, thus preserving the environment and the local population.
The total cost of the industrial phase of this project is estimated at around 5 million euros, demonstrating the scale of the investment necessary to clean up the Gulf of Kabuno and preserve the natural resources of Lake Kivu.
Conclusion :
The reception of the first industrial station of the Gulf of Kabuno degassing project is a crucial step in the preservation of Lake Kivu and the protection of the health of local populations. This project, carried out by Limnological Engineering, aims to eliminate carbon dioxide dangerous for the environment and human health. With the two other stations to come, it is hoped that degassing will be completed in the coming years. This initiative demonstrates the Congolese government’s commitment to preserving its natural resources and ensuring a sustainable future for its citizens.