Mauritania's Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Mohamed Khaled, has unveiled an ambitious strategic project aimed at boosting the country's clean energy production capacity. With an investment of $287 million, the project includes the construction of two renewable energy plants: a solar power plant in Nouakchott and a wind farm in Boulenouar.
The solar power plant, located in the capital Nouakchott, will have a production capacity of 160 megawatts, while the wind farm, located in the Boulenouar region, will produce 60 megawatts. These facilities will be accompanied by a battery energy storage system with a capacity of 370 megawatt-hours, ensuring the stability of the energy supply.
This project, which is part of an energy transition initiative, aims to meet growing demand for electricity while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The minister emphasized the importance of this infrastructure in ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future.
At last Tuesday's Council of Ministers meeting, Minister Ould Khaled presented a statement approving a 15-year public-private partnership (PPP) contract. This contract, which complies with Mauritanian legislation on PPPs, was awarded to IWAFRICA, selected from among several candidate companies for its expertise in the design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of energy infrastructure.
As part of this agreement, IWAFRICA will establish a dedicated company to manage the project, which includes:
- The construction and operation of a 160-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant;
- The construction of a 60-megawatt wind farm;
- The installation of a 370 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system;
- The construction of a high-voltage power line and an electrical substation.
These two infrastructures will be transferred to the Mauritanian Electricity Company (SOMELEC) as soon as they become operational, thereby strengthening the capacity of the national grid.
This project marks a major step forward in Mauritania's energy strategy, which aims to diversify its energy sources and promote renewable energies. By partnering with the private sector, the Mauritanian government intends not only to accelerate the deployment of this infrastructure, but also to stimulate the local economy through job creation and technology transfer.
Minister Mohamed Khaled reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting similar initiatives, which position Mauritania as a key player in the energy transition in West Africa. This ambitious project should not only improve access to electricity, but also contribute to the fight against climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.