Description
Project Name: Toujounine
Project Owner: Somelec
Standard: Verra VCS
Project ID: 1734
Built in 13 months, the Toujounine Solar Power Plant is Mauritania’s largest photovoltaic plant. Commissioned in 2017 with a capacity of 50 MW, this project has redefined the nation’s energy landscape. Spanning 110 hectares of previously barren land, its 156,000 solar panels capture the Sahara’s relentless rays. Toujounine isn’t just a power plant; it’s a bold step toward energy sovereignty and a greener tomorrow for the country and the region.
Toujounine stands as a cornerstone of Mauritania’s ambitious renewable energy vision, which saw the country surpass its 20% renewable energy target by 2020.
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.
The plant’s impact extends beyond power: it created 300 jobs during construction, employs 20 permanent local technicians, and supports community initiatives, including water pumps and schools. Partnerships with École des Métiers and Nouakchott University inspire the next generation, with over 100 students and interns trained in solar technology since 2018.
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 large scale solar project in the country
Somelec used the local workforce to build the plant.
The project hired 100 local people for the construction phase and relies on permanent local 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.
