Masdar to develop solar project in Nouakchott, Mauritania

UAE-based renewable energy company Masdar will develop a 15MW solar power project in Nouakchott, Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

The solar plant is expected to generate 10% of the electricity capacity in Mauritania, where annual power demand is projected to grow at a rate of 12% in 2012.

As the first utility-scale solar installation in Mauritania, the project will partly diminish the current energy shortages and 60% low electrification rate in the country.

Mauritania Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Mines Taleb Ould Abdivall said, "Mauritania has some of the highest levels of solar radiation in the world, making it an ideal place for solar power installations."

Masdar chief executive officer Dr Al Jaber commented that this project proved that energy access and commercially viable renewable energy can go hand-in-hand.

"Partnerships are at the core of Masdar’s business strategy and projects like this one underscore the critical role collaboration plays in renewable energy development," he added.

"With the demand for energy rapidly increasing – especially in the developing world – tapping into renewable energy is critical.

"The integration of wind, solar and hydro power helps to reduce the strain on our natural resources and serves as a bridge to energy security and economic development opportunities."

Following the project’s completion, government owned electric utility Société Mauritanienne de l’électricité (SOMELEC) will own and operate the plant.