US firm Symbion Power to develop biogas project in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Jan 19, 2023

The Ministry of Hydrocarbons of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has selected US firm Symbion Power as the winner of a major contract for the development of the Makelele biogas project in Lake Kivu, reported APO Group.

The project will include over $300 million in investment for the development of a 60 MW gas-to-electricity system to connect consumers in Goma and the North and South of Kivu provinces via existing trading hubs.

The DRC is aiming to increase energy access from current levels of 10% to approximately 32% by 2030. The Makelele biogas project will play a crucial role in helping the country realise its electrification goals. With Lake Kivu's biogas potential relatively high - estimated at approximately 700 MW of electricity over a period of 50 years - the Makelele biogas initiative is intended to help strengthen the DRC’s energy sector by opening up new opportunities for power generation and sustainable development for decades to come.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) - "the voice of the African energy sector" - has congratulated the move, and said it strongly supports the DRC and its leader H.E Didier Budimbu Ntubuanga for the milestone achieved.

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Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.