Mauritania energy security infrastructure boosted with World Bank loan
Mauritania is making significant strides to enhance its energy infrastructure, thanks to a $300 million World Bank loan for the Energy Security and Transition Project. This initiative marks a crucial step toward improving access to electricity and promoting sustainable energy solutions throughout the nation.
Improving Mauritania’s Energy Access and Transmission
Mauritania is undertaking a major initiative to strengthen its national energy infrastructure. The World Bank’s approval of this substantial loan reflects a global commitment to boosting energy security, expanding electricity access, and integrating sustainable energy solutions.
The Energy Security and Transition Project will focus on enhancing the country’s electricity production and transmission capabilities. This aligns with its ambitious goal of achieving universal electricity access while supporting regional energy integration.
Key components include the construction of a 225kV transmission line and a 225kV/90kV substation in Nouakchott. A 50MW battery energy storage system will also be installed to stabilize the national grid and significantly improve energy reliability. Connecting isolated regions to the national grid will, in turn, provide more people with dependable access to electricity.
Expanding Access and Attracting Private Investment
This project is set to improve electricity access for 350,000 people and bolster the reliability of the energy supply for 2.4 million residents. The investment in production, transmission, and distribution infrastructure is also designed to attract greater private sector participation in Mauritania’s energy sector.
David Malpass, President of the World Bank Group, highlighted the project’s importance, stating, “This project will help Mauritania achieve universal access to electricity and integrate into the regional energy market. By investing in sustainable energy solutions, we are also contributing to the global fight against climate change.”
Fostering Regional Integration and Energy Cooperation
The project also supports Mauritania’s integration into the West African Power Pool (WAPP) by connecting its grid with those of neighboring countries. This will allow Mauritania to export surplus electricity and foster regional energy cooperation.
The initiative is part of a broader World Bank effort to promote sustainable energy solutions across Africa, with a commitment of $5 billion in financing for energy projects over the next five years. This funding supports investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electrification projects.
Mauritania’s Energy Security and Transition Project is one of several World Bank-supported initiatives promoting sustainable energy solutions in Africa. For instance, the bank also supports the $150 million Scaling Solar Program to develop solar power projects and the $100 million Regional Off-Grid Electrification Project to expand electricity access in remote areas.
The World Bank’s investment in Mauritania’s energy infrastructure is poised to play a significant role in the country’s economic development. Enhancing electricity access and promoting sustainable energy solutions will help Mauritania achieve its energy objectives while contributing to the global effort to combat climate change.
For further context on regional renewable energy initiatives, learn more about the Mauritania and Germany Partner on Renewable Energy Project and explore the broader Global Solar Report.
