Nouakchott, 24th of May 2022 : A framework agreement for the further development of the planned 30GW green hydrogen project in the coastal region of Mauritania has been
signed by the Mauritanian government and CWP, one of the world’s leading developers
of renewables and massive-scale green hydrogen projects.
Mauritanian Minister of Petroleum, Mines and Energy Abdesselam Ould Mohamed Saleh and Mark Crandall, CWP's Founder and Chairman
The AMAN project, located in the Dakhlet Nouadhibou and Inchiri regions of Mauritania,
will include 18GW of wind capacity and 12GW of solar capacity. It will generate
approximately 110 TWh at full capacity and is expected to produce 1.7 milliontons per
annum of green hydrogen or 10 million tons per annum of green ammonia for local use
and export.
By signing the Framework Agreement, both parties have deepened their commitment to
developing one of the most ambitious clean energy projects under development on the
African continent. This is an important next step following the signing by the two parties
of a Memorandum of Understanding at the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow in
November 2021, with the new Framework Agreement elaborating details on the
anticipated development phases of the project, including land tenure, project design and
principles of collaboration to guide the realization of the project.
The project will unlock myriad local opportunities deriving from the sustainable
generation of large-scale renewable energy, help to drive access to clean energy, clean
water resources and the development of new green industries locally and for export.
A recent macro-economic study estimated the project could boost Mauritania’s GDP by
40 to 50% by 2030, and by 50 to 60% from 2035 onwards, including a boost to
employment in industry by 23%, and a reduction in total national unemployment by
almost a third by 2035.
Speaking at today’s Government Forum in Nouakchott, titled “Accelerating the energy
transition and building a green metals industry in Mauritania”, His Excellency the Minister
of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, Mr. Abdessalem Ould Mohamed Saleh, said:
“We are excited to be taking a next step forward with this monumental project,
which promises to deliver immense benefits not only for Mauritania but for key
economic sectors globally as the world accelerates its journey to net zero by 2050
or sooner. Mauritania’s ambition to become a frontier developer of green
hydrogen and maker of green steel is supported by CWP’s global vision and its
steadfast commitment to making the AMAN project a success for Mauritania,
Africa and the world.
The new Framework Agreement details the necessary next steps, which we will
pursue in close collaboration with the CWP team. The massive scale and ambition
of the project, combined with CWP’s strong reputation for deep community
engagement and forging successful long-term partnerships, give us the
confidence that AMAN will be a game-changing project with many positive
contributions to Mauritania’s economic development and sustainable growth.”
Mark Crandall, CWP’s Founder and Chairman, added:
“This Framework Agreement is not only a sign that the AMAN project is entering
its next phase of development, but also that green hydrogen is emerging as a key
tool in the energy transition – both for its potential to boost investment in host
regions, and for its promising role in decarbonizing heavy industry. Mauritania’s
leadership in the energy transition is both impressive and very encouraging, and
we are proud to be their chosen partner on this journey. The Framework
Agreement sets a course for building the project so that production and export of
green hydrogen can begin before the end of the decade.”
In addition to its massive green hydrogen and green ammonia potential, AMAN will also
provide cheap electricity, as well as over 50 million m3 of fresh water to local
communities and agriculture, obtained from desalination of ocean water. A pilot project
will also work to provide 60 hydrogen transport buses for public use, with zero
emissions.
The Glasgow Joint Declaration was signed by the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and CWP Global on November 4th, 2021, during the COP26 Climate Summit in Scotland. The declaration supports the new global goals of accelerating the development of green hydrogen to decarbonize heavy industries and transportation. Mauritania, with its abundant wind and solar energy, has committed to the African Green Hydrogen Alliance and the UN's High-Level Champions for Climate Action. In May 2021, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to develop the 30GW AMAN green hydrogen project, which is estimated to increase the country's GDP by 50% by 2030. The declaration confirms the implementation of the second phase of the project and sets a timetable for its development, with production set to commence before 2030. The project is expected to have a significant impact on Mauritania's economy by creating jobs and contributing to the global energy transition.