Is Mauritania leading West Africa's green energy transition?

As Mauritania leads in west Africa’s green energy transition, significant investment is being made in hydrogen, solar and wind energy developments.

Does Mauritania have solar?

TOUJOUNINE – Solar Averaging seven days of rain a year, Mauritania’s climate is ideal for solar and the country’s first major development in the sector did not disappoint in this regard with 54,000 panels supporting 50 MW production capacity at Toujounine, on the northern outskirts of the nation’s capital.

How many solar panels does Mauritania produce a year?

The facility is responsible for 10% of Mauritania’s grid capacity. It generates 25,409 megawatt-hours of renewable electricity per year and displaces approximately 21,225 tons of CO2. The plant’s almost 30,000 solar panels, manufactured by Masdar PV, provide electricity to more than 10,000 houses in Nouakchott.

Who owns Mauritania's electricity plant?

Completed in 2017, the $53 million plant is run by the national electricity company, Société Mauritanienne d’Electricité (Somelec), and has seen ongoing works since its inauguration by (then) President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, removing an estimated 57,000 tonnes of CO 2 per annum and supplying 10% of Mauritania’s net energy production.

Is Mauritania a low carbon country?

With a 38% share of renewables in its electricity mix and a 50% target by 2030, Mauritania is a top regional performer in the race towards low carbon power.

What is Masdar doing in Mauritania?

The power plant is one of numerous worldwide initiatives supported by Masdar. Mauritanian utility (SOMELEC) issued a request for proposals, and the Vergnet-ABC Diesel pool was chosen to deliver the hybrid power plant project in Mauritania. It will be the first of its kind in the sub-region of West Africa.