Is Mauritania suitable for solar PV and wind development?

The findings of this study indicate that a significant portion of Mauritania’s land area is highly suitable for solar PV and wind development, with a maximum development potential of approximately 457.9 gigawatts (GW) and 47 GW for solar PV and wind projects, respectively.

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.

What is the land utilisation factor for solar projects in Mauritania?

The land utilisation factor for project develop-ment has been set to 1%, which translates into a drop in development potential to approximately 457.9 GW and 47 GW for solar PV and wind projects. Figure 9. Utility-scale solar PV: Most suitable prospecting areas in Mauritania Source: Base map (OpenStreetMap); suitability scoring and areas (IRENA).

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 need Irena?

In line with the post-RRA process, Mauritania’s Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines requested IRENA’s support in May 2019 to undertake a suitability assessment to map potential areas for utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind projects.

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.