"Sustainable Solutions: Mauritania's Drive towards Renewable Energy"
Unleashing the Potential of Renewable Energy in Mauritania
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Mauritania is making great strides towards creating a new economy that depends on renewable resources. With enormous potential in this field, the country is working towards a greener future. Prior to 2008, the proportion of electricity produced from renewable energy in Mauritania was less than 1% of the total electricity production. However, by 2020, this figure had risen to 37%, with 17% coming from hydroelectric energy, and 20% equally split between solar and wind energy.
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The Mauritanian government has set an ambitious goal of reaching 50% of electricity production from renewable energy sources by 2030. This effort extends beyond the production of electricity, as the government is also exploring the export of renewable energy in the form of green hydrogen. Currently, 93% of Mauritania's exports are non-renewable raw materials, such as iron ores, copper concentrates, mollusk, gold and frozen fish, but the country is determined to make a shift towards a more sustainable future.
With a massive landmass spanning over 1 million square kilometers and an average of 10 hours of daily sun exposure, the country is well positioned to harness the power of the sun. This abundance of sunlight is complemented by a high density of solar energy, making it the perfect place to launch large-scale solar energy projects.
The government of Mauritania recognizes this potential and has been proactive in promoting the growth of the solar energy sector. This has led to a significant influx of foreign investment, which is helping to drive the development of solar projects throughout the country. This investment has not only allowed the government to meet its renewable energy goals but also to bring much-needed jobs and economic development
"Mauritania possesses ample wind energy potential, with steady winds throughout extensive areas. The Nouadhibou region experiences winds of up to 7m/s, providing a reliable source of clean, renewable, and limitless energy. Several investments have been made in the sector, and the government aims to harness onshore and offshore winds for green hydrogen production projects, offering a promising investment opportunity in wind energy."
Mauritania has demonstrated its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions and harnessing the vast potential of renewable energy sources. Despite recent discoveries of significant natural gas reserves off its coast, the government remains steadfast in its pursuit of a sustainable future. In this effort, the country aims to establish the world's largest green hydrogen production project with a total capacity of 40 GW
With its 754 km of Atlantic coastline, Mauritania boasts of an abundant wave energy resource. The average wave power along the coast is estimated at 17.5 kilowatt-hours per meter, translating to over 300,000 megawatts produced every 24 hours. This is 100 times more than the country's total electricity production, which stands at a mere 3000 megawatts.
Imagine the possibilities if even just 1% of this vast energy resource was harnessed. It would be enough to fully meet the country's electricity needs. The time is now to seize this opportunity and unlock the full potential of wave energy in Mauritania.
Livestock plays a significant role in Mauritania's economy, with an estimated 22 million heads of livestock distributed among camels, cows, and small ruminants such as goats and sheep. This presents an opportunity to utilize animal waste as a source of clean, cheap electricity and organic fertilizer. By implementing appropriate technologies to convert animal waste into biogas or other forms of renewable energy, the country can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and lower its carbon footprint. Additionally, the production of organic fertilizer from animal waste can help to improve soil health and boost agricultural productivity.
