Mauritania’s President woos European investors for green hydrogen projects

Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazoauni boasted the North African country’s green hydrogen potential and called on European investors attending the European Union – African Union summit at the Global Gateway Forum to seize opportunities.

“Our country, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, with its enormous renewable energy potential (estimated at 4,000 GW, of which 500 can be developed immediately), its unique geographical location, and its rich mineral reserves, particularly iron, has all the assets needed to become one of the world’s leading players in the green hydrogen and green mining industries,” he said. “This is the ambition we have set ourselves,” he added.

Mauritania has reportedly unveiled plans to develop hydrogen projects capable of generating an impressive 80 GW of electrolyzer capacity.

The plan for the green hydrogen projects encompasses three phases spanning from 2024 to 2027.

The phases according to Energy News. Biz involve an increased utilization of gas, a reduction in the use of heavy fuel oil for energy production and transportation, and the integration of renewable energy sources into the electrical system.

According to Mauritanian Cridem media, the country by 2030 aims at replacing gas used for electricity production with green hydrogen, with any surplus being liquefied and exported to other markets.

The North African country, El Ghazoauni stressed, has launched many initiatives to become globally competitive.

Despite the initiatives, the leader argued that many obstacles including the raising of funds, the scaling of technology and appropriate initiatives, are still standing.

To close the lack of investment gap, Mauritania is pursuing partnerships with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and exploring avenues for external assistance.