Mauritania has entered a landmark agreement with Iwa Green Energy to establish a $300 million hybrid solar-wind power plant. This pioneering project, the nation’s first Independent Power Producer (IPP) contract, will be situated near the capital, Nouakchott. With a planned capacity of 60 MW, this development marks a pivotal step in Mauritania’s strategy to enhance its renewable energy infrastructure and accelerate its energy transition.
Details of the Mauritania solar wind plant
Mauritania is significantly advancing its renewable energy infrastructure with this groundbreaking deal. The project, valued at $300 million, represents the country’s first-ever IPP contract, signaling a new era of private investment in its energy sector. The hybrid facility will be strategically located near Nouakchott, harnessing the region’s abundant solar and wind resources to generate 60 MW of clean electricity.
The agreement was formalized in a signing ceremony between Mauritania’s Ministry of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines and Iwa Green Energy, a company specializing in renewable energy projects. The event was attended by high-level officials, including Minister of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines, Abdessalam Ould Mohamed Saleh; Minister of Finance, Isselmou Ould Mohamed M’Bady; and the Minister of Economic Affairs and Promotion of Productive Sectors, Ousmane Mamoudou Kane, underscoring the national importance of this initiative.
Financing and Construction Phases
The project will be fully privately financed, a key feature that allows Mauritania to expand its electricity supply without increasing public debt. Commissioning of the solar-wind power plant is anticipated by September 2026. This timeline reflects a commitment to rapidly increasing the country’s generation capacity, which is expected to reach approximately 450 MW upon the project’s completion.
The hybrid nature of the plant is particularly advantageous. By combining solar and wind power, the facility can provide a more consistent and reliable energy supply, mitigating the intermittency often associated with a single renewable source. This approach is fundamental to improving Mauritania energy security and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Mauritania’s Growing Renewable Energy Sector
This project is a cornerstone of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani’s ambitious energy transition plan. Mauritania has been making significant strides in expanding its renewable energy sector, with this hybrid plant adding to a growing portfolio of clean energy initiatives. It also aligns with the broader regional “Desert to Power Initiative,” which aims to harness solar energy across the Sahel.
The government is actively seeking investment in projects like this to diversify the energy mix and cut greenhouse gas emissions. The need is urgent, as less than 10% of rural households are connected to the national grid. Expanding access to clean power is a top priority, and initiatives focusing on solar energy Mauritania are transforming lives in underserved communities. This new plant is part of a larger push, including another ambitious $287 million Mauritania renewable energy project, all aimed at achieving 50% renewable energy in the country’s electricity mix by 2030. The nation’s potential is vast, creating opportunities to develop a local Mauritania solar panel manufacturing sector.
Iwa Green Energy’s Commitment to Renewable Energy
Iwa Green Energy is a company dedicated to developing impactful renewable energy projects. Its involvement in Mauritania’s first IPP underscores a commitment to providing sustainable solutions that address climate change while fostering economic growth.
The company’s expertise in renewable project development and financing will be crucial for the successful completion of this pioneering plant. The project is expected to serve as a powerful model for future private-sector investment in renewable energy, not only in Mauritania but across the region. By demonstrating the viability of large-scale hybrid power plants, it sets a new standard for sustainable development.
Mauritania’s investment in this hybrid solar-wind power plant represents a major milestone in its journey toward a sustainable future. The project will enhance energy security, reduce the nation’s carbon footprint, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity, positioning Mauritania as an emerging leader in clean energy.
If you are interested in the technical aspects of these technologies, you can learn more about the basics of solar panel manufacturing and how they contribute to projects like this one. To deepen your understanding of the solar industry, consider enrolling in our free e-course.
