Mauritania Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in mauritania, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Energy
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The electricity sector in Mauritania is undergoing gradual modernization, driven by the objectives of improving reliability and increasing access. Historically, the grid has depended on imported heavy fuel oil and diesel, making generation costly and vulnerable to price volatility. The commissioning of the 100-megawatt Boulenouar wind farm marked a significant step forward in diversifying the energy mix, and additional solar and wind projects are under development. The government has also committed to private investment in generation, with independent power producers expected to take the lead in building new plants. On September 12, the government signed a $300 million public-private partnership (PPP) with IWA Green Energy (a Mauritania-based company) to build its first hybrid solar-wind plant, a 160 MW solar/60 MW wind project with 370 MWh storage set to begin operations in September 2026 and to supply SOMELEC with reliable renewable power for 15 years. This marks Mauritania’s first PPP in the energy sector. 

The availability of domestic natural gas from the GTA field is a game-changer for the power sector, providing a cheaper and more reliable fuel source that can anchor baseload generation and support integration of intermittent renewables. International partners, particularly the World Bank, are backing investments in grid stability, including the first large-scale BESS in the capital, Nouakchott. This project will help smooth out fluctuations in supply and improve service for households and businesses. Rural electrification remains a challenge, with access rates still low in many parts of the country, but solar mini-grids and off-grid solutions are increasingly seen as viable options. Opportunities exist across the spectrum for investors —from gas-fired generation to renewable energy, storage technologies, and transmission upgrades. The power sector is central to Mauritania’s development ambitions, as reliable electricity is critical for industrialization, agriculture, and overall economic growth.

Opportunities:  Investors can participate in upcoming gas-fired independent power projects linked to GTA, as well as in renewable and hybrid systems combining wind, solar, and storage. The World Bank’s support for battery storage creates space for technology providers, grid management software, and training services.  Mini-grid developers and suppliers of off-grid solar kits also have opportunities as the government pursues universal access.

Mauritania has also set out a clear framework to attract large-scale investment in green hydrogen and ammonia projects, anchored by its Green Hydrogen Code adopted in October 2024 and a dedicated institutional setup to steer projects. Several developments are ongoing, namely CWP Global (AMAN Project), Chariot (NOOR Project) and GreenGo Energy (Megaton Moon Project). Opportunities exist in securing unused land leases and engaging with the government in pre-feasibility phases to develop small-scall green hydrogen projects to boost power demand in Nouakchott. On September 8, during Mauritanides 2025, Mauritania’s seventh international mining, oil and gas, and energy conference, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum signed new framework agreements in the green hydrogen space with: 
 

  • Hynfra, a Polish company, set to construct a green ammonia plant targeting approximately 100,000 tons per year by 2030, including on-site renewables, desalination, storage and export via Port de l’Amitié. United Energy Group (UEG), a Chinese developer listed in Hong Kong, to develop green hydrogen and ammonia.  
     

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