Dr. Klaus Tietze
“Exploitation of the unique Methane Gas Deposit in Lake Kivu (Africa) – Risks and Benefits”.
Abstract:
Lake Kivu (Rwanda / Congo) is situated in the western branch of the tectonically and volcanically active Eat African Rift Zone. It contains a gas deposit of about 60 km³ 8STP) methane and 300 km³ (STP) carbon dioxide dissolved in its dynamic density stratified deep waters. This deposit represents a huge value, but also an ubiquitous hazard in .the Kivu-Tanganyika region. In a worst case scenario, which would be a large gaJ outburst, triggered naturally or by careless exploitation, up to 3 million people could be killed. The resulting gas cloud could spread over 10,000 km² in the Kivu region and flow down to Lake Tanganyika. Additionally the released gas could detrimentally affect the global atmosphere by accelerating the greenhouse effect.
Therefore the essential gas extraction must be carried out carefully and flexibly with control by exact monitoring, regulating and steering within the gas extraction plants as well as within the whole lake. This must be done by iteration of continuous measurements and mathematical-numerical modeling. Then safe, environmentally friendly and optimal exploitation with maximum yield can be expected, as well as an extensive hazard reduction with time. Additionally besides the methane, also the carbon dioxide must be utilized in one form or another.
An offshore pilot plant with a capacity of 9 million m³ (STP) methane / a was built and is currently producing. Larger onshore and offshore gas extraction plants are planned. The maximum possible exploitation rate is estimated to 109 m³ (STP) methane / a and about five times as much carbon dioxide. The potential benefits of the exploitation are multifarious, e.g. elimination of the deadly hazard, economic development of the Kivu region, scientific-technical knowledge transfer and prevention of the destruction of the regional tropical rainforest. The Lake Kivu project could also promote and stabilize peace within this region due to necessary scientific-technical cooperation between the Oem. Rep. of the Congo and the Rep. of Rwanda.
Biography:
Dr. Klaus Tietze currently works as CEO / Managing & Scientific Director of PDT GmbH - Physik-Design-Technik - Sensorik & Consulting, Celie. Klaus Tietze holds a Dr.rer.nat. degree (geophysics) from the University Kiel and a diploma degree in physics from the Technical Univ. Brunswick. He worked / works in various physical fields from nuclear physics via groundwater to space research. His main working fields are now gas-bearing lakes and physical-medical instruments. He carried out research expeditions to the Mediterranean Sea, to Lake Kivu (Congo / Rwanda), to Lake Tanganyika (Burundi / Congo / Tanzania) and to Lake Nyos (Cameroon), where he investigated the disastrous gas outburst from this lake (1986). During his work he made many scientific discoveries, developed new technical instruments (e.g. the first underwater probe system for direct in-situ density measurements) and received 3 international/national research awards besides other honors.
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