Mauritania’s hydrogen pipeline took a decisive step forward with a new strategic framework agreement granting Möhring Energie 500 km² to build one of the country’s most advanced power-to-X projects to date.
The NAYRAH project, designed around Europe’s growing demand for green hydrogen and ammonia, aims to deliver 140,000 tons of hydrogen and 400,000 tons of ammonia annually once fully built, volumes that would position Mauritania among Africa’s leading exporters of renewable molecules.
The scale aligns with a broader shift in EU energy strategy. Europe’s projected need for imported renewable hydrogen has risen steadily as domestic production remains constrained by land availability, permitting bottlenecks, and limited cost-competitive renewable generation. Mauritania, by contrast, offers consistent wind speeds and high solar irradiation levels, providing a resource base capable of supporting hydrogen production at globally competitive prices. Möhring Energie’s CTO, Sascha Möhring, underscored this advantage, citing the country’s conditions as conducive for producing “globally competitive green molecules.”
The project’s initial phase centers on 100 MW of electrolysis capacity—an entry point reflecting the industry’s cautious approach to early-stage infrastructure in emerging hydrogen markets. Scaling to 1 GW, however, places the project in a commercial category with only a handful of comparable international developments. This phased buildout responds to a persistent challenge in green hydrogen project development: balancing bankability with technological and market uncertainty. Early phases allow for verification of operational performance and local integration before committing to full capacity.
Mauritania’s decision to allocate 500 km² signals its intent to accelerate the commercial rollout of its national hydrogen program, announced in recent years as part of efforts to diversify the economy and leverage renewable resources. Yet questions remain around the pace of infrastructure development, including grid reinforcement, port upgrades, and regulatory frameworks for green molecule exports. Similar large-scale hydrogen ventures globally have shown that timelines often hinge less on electrolyzer availability and more on permitting, logistics, and financing conditions.
The planned 2029 commissioning date reflects these complexities, allowing for multi-year development of renewable generation, electrolysis assets, and ammonia synthesis units. For European buyers, the projected ammonia output—400,000 tons per year—offers a product already compatible with existing transport and industrial infrastructure, reducing near-term market risk compared with pure hydrogen transport.
Möhring Energie’s involvement also fits within a broader pattern of German industrial engagement in international hydrogen supply chains. With Germany facing one of Europe’s largest future hydrogen deficits, partnerships with resource-rich countries have become central to its energy security and decarbonization strategies. The NAYRAH project therefore functions not only as a Mauritanian industrial initiative but also as a potential component of Europe’s long-term import portfolio.
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