Mauritania, the northwest African nation, is poised to emerge as a prominent player in the global green hydrogen landscape, driven by its strategic geographical attributes and the abundance of natural hydrogen, according to the Africa Solar Industry Association’s (AFSIA) Annual Solar Outlook 2024.
The report highlights the significant surge in green hydrogen projects across the continent, with Mauritania leading the charge with an ambitious plan for 57 gigawatts (GW) of green hydrogen projects.
Mauritania’s ambitious green hydrogen initiatives, representing nearly 60% of all African green hydrogen development and 30% of solar projects on the continent, underscore the country’s determination to capitalize on its unique features. These features, including excellent solar irradiation, proximity to Europe, access to the sea, and the presence of natural hydrogen, position Mauritania as an ideal candidate for harnessing the full potential of green hydrogen production and export.
The European Commission’s initiative launched last October, supported by France, Germany, Spain, and the European Investment Bank (EIB), further bolsters Mauritania’s green hydrogen endeavors. The report emphasizes that Mauritania’s green hydrogen projects, in addition to powering the national grid and various industrial activities like green steel production, have the potential to enhance export benefits, particularly given its proximity to the European market.
Mauritania’s green hydrogen ambitions are driven by its excellent renewable energy prospects. The country’s green hydrogen projects, with a focus on solar energy, are positioned to contribute significantly to the global race for producing the most cost-effective green hydrogen. The report notes that the competition for the cheapest green hydrogen is intense globally, and Mauritania, with its advantageous solar irradiation and access to international maritime routes, stands out as one of the most ambitious African countries in this race.
The AFSIA report accentuates the broader trend of increased interest in green hydrogen development across Africa in 2023. The continent’s exceptional solar irradiation positions it favorably to produce cost-effective green hydrogen, making it a significant player in the global race. Nations with the most ambitious green hydrogen plans, such as Namibia, Egypt, Morocco, and Mauritania, benefit from exceptional solar irradiation, setting the stage for a solar-powered green hydrogen revolution.
As Mauritania takes bold strides towards green hydrogen dominance, the global energy landscape witnesses the transformative potential of harnessing renewable resources for sustainable and clean energy solutions.
