Mauritania Signs $300 Million Deal for 220 MW Hybrid Solar-Wind Power Plant

Mauritania has signed a $300 million agreement with renewable energy developer Ewa Green Energy to construct a 220-megawatt (MW) hybrid power plant, combining 160 MW of solar and 60 MW of wind capacity, supported by a 370-megawatt-hour (MWh) energy storage system.

The plant, one of the largest renewable energy projects in the country’s history, is expected to deliver an average of 60 MW daily, strengthening the national grid and reducing reliance on imported electricity. The facility is scheduled for commissioning by September 2026.

Under the 15-year agreement, Ewa Green Energy will build and operate the plant, after which ownership will transfer to the government. Somelec, Mauritania’s state utility, will purchase the electricity generated under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA).

Driving Private Investment in Power

The project aligns with Mauritania’s broader energy sector reforms aimed at increasing private sector participation. In May 2025, Minister of Petroleum and Energy Mohamed Ould Khaled confirmed that future power generation projects will be privately driven, with state-owned firms exiting power generation. Updated PPP and investment codes are designed to attract foreign investors.

Recent moves include PPAs signed by Somelec and SNIM, Mauritania’s national mining company, with Saudi Arabia’s TAQA and Egypt’s GoGas Holding, supporting the country’s gas-to-power plan set for 2028. The initiative will replace heavy oil with natural gas from the Banda field, generating over 150 MW of electricity.

International Support for Renewable Expansion

Mauritania has also secured multilateral backing for clean energy projects. In January 2024, the government signed $289.5 million in financing agreements with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support solar generation, the Mauritania–Mali interconnection, and rural electrification under the PIEMM and RIMDIR programs.

These efforts reflect Mauritania’s commitment to modernizing its power sector, attracting foreign investment, and transitioning toward a cleaner, more diversified energy mix to meet domestic and industrial demand.