Description
Project Name: Boulenouar
Project Owner: Somelec
Standard: Evident
Project ID: BOULES20001
Located just shy of the Moroccan border, approximately 400 km northwest of Nouakchott, Mauritania’s capital, the Boulenouar Wind Power Station stands as a towering testament to the nation’s renewable energy ambitions. Comprising 39 cutting-edge turbines, each boasting a capacity of 2.625 MW, this 102 MW facility proudly reigns as Mauritania’s largest wind farm. Commissioned in December 2023 after five years of development, it harnesses the relentless winds of the Dakhlet Nouadhibou region to deliver clean, sustainable power at an unprecedented scale.
The Boulenouar Wind Power Station is more than just an energy project—it’s a cornerstone of Mauritania’s bold vision for progress. With a national goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030, this landmark initiative is electrifying the future for millions with green energy.
A key driver in Mauritania’s green energy revolution, Boulenouar is slashing the nation’s reliance on imported fossil fuels while powering over 140,000 people with renewable electricity. Producing an estimated 300 GWh annually, aligning with the government’s ambitious target to boost renewable energy to 50% of the energy mix by 2030. This isn’t just power generation; it’s a lifeline to sustainability and self-reliance.
Mauritania’s coastline, stretching over 750 km along the Atlantic, is a wind energy goldmine. This natural advantage positions the wind farm not only to meet surging domestic demand—growing at 10% annually—but also to export surplus energy to neighboring Senegal and Mali via the 225 kV Nouakchott-Nouadhibou power line. The result? A thriving economic boost for Mauritania, turning wind into wealth and reinforcing its role as a renewable energy leader in West Africa.
At the helm of this transformative project is Somelec, Mauritania’s national electricity provider, entrusted with producing and distributing power across the country. With a mission to expand green electricity, Somelec has already achieved a milestone—more than 30% of its energy mix came from renewables by 2020, a figure catapulted further by Boulenouar’s completion.
Impact
Mauritania grid is mainly powered by fossil fuel and imports.
The project develops green electricity and reinforce energy supply sovereignty.
The plant was built through advanced technology transfer from industrialized countries.
The project allowed to install the largest wind farm in the country.
Somelec used the local workforce to build the plant.
The project hired local people for the construction phase and relies on Mauritians technicians to ensure operation and maintenance.
Mauritania targets to provide universal access to electricity by 2030 to all its citizens.
The project is helping the country to reach this target.
