Mauritania has taken a historic step forward in its energy transition by signing its first independent power producer (IPP) contract, a $300 million agreement with Iwa Green Energy to build a *60-megawatt (MW) hybrid solar-wind power plant.
The project is a major step forward in Mauritania's strategy to diversify its power mix, attract private investment, and realise its enormous renewable energy potential.
A Significant Step Forward for Mauritania's Renewable Goals
The new facility, which is expected to be operational in September 2026, will significantly increase Mauritania's current installed capacity of approximately 450 MW. It will be the first large-scale renewable plant entirely financed by the private sector, ushering in a new era of debt-free, sustainable energy infrastructure expansion in the country.
At the signing ceremony in Nouakchott, Economy and Finance Minister Sid'Ahmed Ould Bouh emphasised the project's importance.
"This collaboration with private actors demonstrates their trust in the Mauritanian government's commitment to diversifying the production base and providing sustainable energy sources to support the economy."
Addressing energy poverty: a critical national priority.
Despite its extensive solar and wind resources, Mauritania faces significant energy access challenges:
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Less than 10% of rural households have access to the national grid.
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The country continues to rely heavily on imported fossil fuels, making it vulnerable to price shocks.
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Electricity demand is steadily increasing as the population grows and industrial development accelerates.
Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has set ambitious targets:
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Access to electricity will be universal by 2030.
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70% of renewable energy generation within a decade
The new hybrid plant will be critical in meeting these objectives, providing dependable, cost-effective electricity while reducing reliance on diesel generation.
A Breakthrough Under Desert to Power Initiative
This is one of the first projects developed under the Desert to Power Independent Power Producer Joint Protocol, a regional framework designed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to
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Standardise the investment terms.
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Reduce the risk associated with renewable energy markets.
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Attract private capital in eleven Sahel countries.
Energy Minister Mohamed Ould Khaled emphasised the importance of the IPP financing approach.
"The fully private financing model will enable the country to increase supply without adding to public debt."
Daniel Schroth, AfDB's Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, lauded Mauritania's progress:
"This project demonstrates the value of the Joint Protocol as a tool for accelerating IPP projects in the Sahel. It also helps to achieve Mauritania's Mission 300 Energy Compact and the Desert to Power Initiative's goals."
A new era of clean energy investment in Africa.
Mauritania's success reflects a growing continental trend: African governments are increasingly turning to independent power producers to scale renewable energy without straining public budgets.
The move instills confidence in global investors and paves the way for faster clean energy development throughout the Sahel.
Regarding the Desert to Power Initiative
The Desert to Power Initiative, launched by the African Development Bank Group in 2019, aims to make the Sahel region the world's largest solar power zone.
It focusses on eleven nations:
Burkina Faso, Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sudan.
The initiative promotes both grid and off-grid solar systems, increasing energy access for millions while lowering carbon emissions.
Conclusion
Mauritania's first IPP solar-wind hybrid power plant is more than just an energy project; it represents a watershed moment for the country's economy, energy security, and climate strategy. With construction set to begin soon, Mauritania is establishing itself as a renewable energy leader in the Sahel.
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