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.

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).

How many solar panels does Mauritania produce a year?

The facility is responsible for 10% of Mauritania’s grid capacity. It generates 25,409 megawatt-hours of renewable electricity per year and displaces approximately 21,225 tons of CO2. The plant’s almost 30,000 solar panels, manufactured by Masdar PV, provide electricity to more than 10,000 houses in Nouakchott.

Could renewable generation capacity improve Mauritania's mining operations?

The report’s analysis finds that expanding renewable generation capacity in Mauritania could improve the sustainability of mining operations, which currently represent close to a quarter of the country’s GDP. These operations are energy-intensive, and mines currently rely predominantly on fossil fuels for their electricity supply.

Could Mauritania's high-quality wind and solar resources be a catalyst for economic growth?

The sustainable development of Mauritania’s high-quality wind and solar resources could serve as a catalyst for the country to achieve its vision of strong and inclusive economic growth, according to a new IEA report published today.

Can Mauritania generate low-cost electricity and hydrogen through electrolysis?

Renewable Energy Opportunities for Mauritania finds that the country could deploy these resources at scale to generate low-cost renewable electricity and hydrogen through electrolysis.