Description
Project Name: Nouakchott
Project owner: Somelec
Standard: Verra VCS
Project ID: 1733
The Nouakchott Wind Farm is a cornerstone of Mauritania’s ambitious renewable energy goals. Supplying 14% of Nouakchott’s electricity needs (the capital city), it played a pivotal role in achieving 35+% renewable energy in the national mix by 2018—surpassing the 20% target set for 2020 two years early. By reducing reliance on costly fossil fuel imports, the wind farm saves resources and strengthens energy security.
Mauritania’s Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development has set an inspiring goal to reach 50% renewable energy by 2030, and the Nouakchott Wind Farm is leading the charge. By harnessing the country’s abundant wind resources, this project showcases the power of green innovation to combat climate change and build a sustainable economy.
At the helm of this transformative project is Somelec, Mauritania’s national electricity provider, entrusted with producing and distributing power across the country.
Impact
Mauritania grid is mainly powered by fossil fuel and imports.
The project develops green electricity and reinforce energy supply sovereignty.
The plant was build through advanced technology transfer from industrialized countries.
The project allowed to install the first wind farm in the country.
Somelec used the local workforce to build the plant.
The project hired 100 people for the construction phase and relies on 10 permanent technicians to ensure operation and maintenance.
Mauritania targeted 20% of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix by the year 2020.
The project helped the country to reach its target by producing their own green electricity.
