Total installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in Mauritania was approximately 123 MW.⁷

By 2035, Mauritania aims to achieve a renewable energy target of 35%, with a projected Mauritania Solar panel production capacity of 457.9 GW.⁸

⁵⁹

• Diesel-based electricity generation: 80-110 $/MWh
• Solar power – 14-38 $/MWh
• Wind power – 26-41 $/MWh

¹⁰¹¹¹²

• Thermal Power (Fossil Fuels): 75%
• Solar Energy: 5%
• Wind Energy: 10-15%
• Hydropower: Approximately 4%

In Mauritania, the average daily availability of electricity from the national grid is about 23.5 hours in urban areas. However, frequent power outages and outdated infrastructure often disrupt this service. For instance, in 2017, Nouakchott experienced significant outages due to a congested distribution network. Rural areas face even more supply inconsistencies. Recent blackouts in the capital were caused by a breakdown of the high-voltage line from the Manantali hydroelectric dam in Mali, underscoring ongoing challenges.⁵¹³

Specific numbers of residential solar kits installed in Mauritania are not currently available.

⁶¹⁴¹⁵

Mauritania currently has 13 operational solar farms, with biggest ones being: Sheikh Zayed Solar Power Plant (15 MW), Toujounine Solar Plant (50 MW) and Masdar Solar Network (16.6 MW).

The Mauritania-Mali Electricity Interconnection Project, part of the Desert to Power initiative, is set to add two more solar plants of 50 MW each.

⁴⁶¹⁶

The off-grid solar panel market in Mauritania is set for significant growth, driven by ongoing rural electrification initiatives. The RIMDIR program aims to install hybrid mini photovoltaic plants in 40 localities, benefiting around 30,000 people and improving energy access.

The Desert to Power initiative further aims to add 10 GW of solar capacity across the Sahel, indicating strong future demand for off-grid solutions.

By 2030, around 80,000 households are anticipated to benefit from off-grid solar energy, enhancing economic opportunities and fostering sustainable development in rural communities.

^4681718

The on-grid solar panel market in Mauritania is growing, driven by several key projects aimed at expanding capacity. Current operational solar farms, such as the Sheikh Zayed (15 MW) and Toujounine (50 MW) plants, supply clean energy and reduce fossil fuel reliance, with the Toujounine plant providing about 10% of the country’s energy in 2019. The developing Masdar Solar Network aims to support remote communities with 30% of their electricity needs through eight solar plants.

Looking ahead, the $888 million Mauritania-Mali Electricity Interconnection Project, part of the Desert to Power initiative, plans to add two new 50 MW solar plants and significantly boost capacity by 2030. The initiative seeks to increase solar capacity in the Sahel by 10 GW, reflecting rising demand for solar panels.

^19202122

• The average monthly salary in Mauritania is approximately $506.
• Solar Energy Installation Manager: the average monthly salary is approximately $700.
• Solar Energy Systems Engineer: the average monthly salary is approximately $460.
• Solar Photovoltaic Installer: the average monthly salary is approximately $302.

The current population of Mauritania is 5,218,172.²³

Estimate for Factory Rent ²⁴

The average monthly rent prices for industrial spaces in Mauritania vary based on location and specific property features, ranging approximately $4 – $6 per m2.

Industrial Electricity Rates ²⁵

The average electricity price for businesses in Mauritania is approximately $0.20 per kWh as of September 2023.

Water Costs ²⁶

The average water price in Mauritania is approximately $1.66 per m³, based on a 6 m³ consumption.

Salaries and Wages ²⁰²¹²²

Monthly salaries of workers in solar industry in Mauritania ranges from $300 to $700, depending on the position.

Rent for Office Space ²⁴

The average monthly rent for office space in Mauritania varies based on location and property type, ranging approximately $7 – $24 per m2 in central urban areas.

Insurance ²⁷

As of 2024, the average spending per capita in Western Africa for non-life insurance is approximately $26.41.

^1011282930

Energy Mix

Mauritania’s energy mix is heavily dominated by thermal power from fossil fuels, which accounts for approximately 75% of total energy consumption. However, the share of renewables in the power mix rose from 0 to over 20% over the last decade, indicating a significant shift towards cleaner energy sources. Renewable sources, including wind energy, solar energy, and hydropower, are gradually being integrated into the energy landscape, with the government aiming for renewables to comprise 60% of the mix by 2030.

Key Institutions

The key institutions involved in Mauritania’s energy sector include:

• Société Nationale d’Électricité (SOMELEC): The main electricity provider in Mauritania, responsible for generating and distributing electricity.
• Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines: This government body oversees energy policy, including the planning and implementation of national energy strategies.

Infrastructure and Interconnections

Mauritania has developed several key projects for energy generation, particularly in renewable sources. Notable projects include:

• Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA): A major offshore gas project expected to commence production in 2023, with reserves estimated at 15 trillion cubic feet.
• Renewable projects targeting up to 40 GW of green hydrogen production capacity are in the planning stages.

Export / Import

The country imports most of its oil products, with approximately 1.9 million tons imported in 2022 due to the cessation of domestic crude oil production.

Mauritania is positioning itself as a potential exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and green hydrogen.

Policy Goal

Mauritania’s national strategy aims for a substantial increase in renewable energy usage, targeting 60% of the energy mix from renewables by 2030.

⁹³¹

In December 2022, Mauritania adopted a new Electricity law aimed at improving the power sector and attracting private investment. This law opens the sector to independent producers and restructures the state-owned electricity monopoly SOMELEC into four entities: a holding company and separate subsidiaries for generation, transmission, distribution, and rural electrification. It also prioritizes renewable energy sources in the grid and facilitates agreements between independent power producers and SOMELEC.

The recently approved Green Hydrogen Code establishes guidelines for generating renewable energy to attract investment in green hydrogen production, marking a significant governmental push in Mauritania to leverage the country’s abundant solar and wind resources for sustainable energy development and economic growth.

¹⁸³²³³

Financing Agreements for Solar Power Generation

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has provided $289.5 million in funding for two energy sector projects in Mauritania. One project, known as the 225 KV Mauritania-Mali Electricity Interconnection and Associated Solar Power Plants Development Project (PIEMM), involves constructing solar power facilities and establishing a 1,373-kilometer high-voltage power line capable of transmitting 600 MW of electricity between Mauritania and Mali.

Rural Electrification via Mini-Solar Projects

Another project, Rural Areas Sustainable Development for Productive and Energy Investments (RIMDIR), focuses on improving access to electricity for 40 localities in southeast Mauritania. This project uses hybrid mini-solar systems combined with backup generators and is supported by a $16 million grant from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA).

Over $289 million in financing to develop solar power generation and transmission and accelerate energy transition

Additionally, it aims to support value-adding activities such as food cold chains and agri-food processing, thereby boosting local economies.

Private Sector Partnerships

Companies like AMEA Power have signed memorandums of understanding to develop large-scale solar and wind farms in Mauritania, paving the way for extensive green hydrogen production. These partnerships aim to establish a 1 GW green hydrogen project in-country, making Mauritania a significant player in the global green hydrogen market.

^616173234

Toujounine Solar Plant: Completed in 2017, this project is the largest solar PV plant in Mauritania, featuring 156,000 solar panels. It has a capacity that supplies approximately 10% of the country’s energy needs and significantly reduces fossil fuel imports. The plant was built to help Mauritania achieve its target of having 20% of its energy mix from renewable sources by 2020.

225 kV Mauritania-Mali Electricity Interconnection Project: This ambitious project, part of the Desert to Power Initiative, aims to enhance solar power generation capacity throughout the Sahel region. It includes the construction of two solar plants with a combined capacity of 100 MW (two plants of 50 MW each) in the towns of Kiffa and Néma. The project is set to be implemented from 2024 to 2030, with a total investment of $888 million, aimed at providing electricity access to 250 million people across the region.

Rural Areas Sustainable Development for Productive and Energy Investments (RIMDIR): This project focuses on rural electrification through the installation of hybrid mini-PV plants in 40 localities across southeastern Mauritania. It has received a grant of $16 million from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) and aims to improve electricity access and support local economic activities.

Megaton Moon Project: Launched by Denmark’s GreenGo, this large-scale initiative plans to develop a combined capacity of 60 GW from solar and wind power alongside 35 GW for green hydrogen production. The project will be developed in phases, with the first pilot expected to be completed by 2028.

Klima Solar Power Project: A significant solar farm covering 600,000 square meters, which supplies about 15% of Mauritania’s energy requirements and has improved electricity access for over 100,000 individuals.

^8333536

Masdar

• Headquarters: Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Website: https://masdar.ae/
• Details: Masdar is involved in several solar projects in Mauritania, including the Sheikh Zayed Solar Power Plant, a 15 MW facility in Nouakchott that produces over 25,000 MWh annually, powering more than 10,000 homes.

Aera Group

• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Website: https://aera-group.fr/
• Details: Aera Group played a significant role in the development of the Toujounine Solar Plant, the largest solar PV plant in Mauritania with a capacity of 50 MW. It was completed in 2017 and contributes to about 10% of the country’s energy production.

AMEA Power

• Headquarters: Dubai, UAE
• Website: https://www.ameapower.com/
• Details: AMEA Power has signed agreements to develop a 100 MW solar PV plant as part of a broader initiative to establish a 1 GW green hydrogen project in Mauritania, enhancing the country’s renewable energy capacity.

TotalEnergies

• Headquarters: Courbevoie, France
• Website: https://totalenergies.com/
• Details: TotalEnergies is involved in various renewable energy initiatives in Mauritania, including partnerships for developing solar energy projects aimed at enhancing local energy production.

Seema Solar

• Headquarters: Nouakchott, Mauritania
• Website: https://www.seemasolar.com/
• Details: Seema Solar is a leading provider of solar energy solutions in Mauritania, with over 10 MW of solar capacity installed across various projects.

Techno Systems

• Headquarters: Nouakchott, Mauritania
• Website: https://techno-systems.net/
• Details: Techno Systems is specializing in innovative solutions for the energy sector. With a portfolio that includes over 15 renewable energy projects, the company is committed to advancing energy efficiency and sustainability.

ADT Solar

• Headquarters: Nouakchott, Mauritania
• Website: https://atdsolar.co/
• Details: ADT Solar has successfully installed more than 5 MW of solar energy systems in Nouakchott. The company aims to empower communities through clean energy solutions, contributing to the region’s sustainable development goals.

Azzur Energy

• Headquarters: Nouakchott, Mauritania
• Website: https://azzurenergy.mr/
• Details: Azzur Energy focuses on renewable energy projects that harness the country’s solar and wind resources. The company has implemented projects totaling around 8 MW of capacity, driving local energy production and economic growth.

Chariot Energy

• Headquarters: London, UK
• Website: https://chariotenergy.com/
• Details: Chariot Energy is working on developing renewable energy projects in Mauritania, focusing on solar and green hydrogen initiatives to support the country’s transition to clean energy.