Mauritania Seals $300M Deal for First Private Solar-Wind Hybrid Power Plant

Mauritania has taken a historic step in its energy transition journey by signing its first-ever Independent Power Producer (IPP) contract. The $300 million agreement with Iwa Green Energy will deliver a 60-megawatt (MW) hybrid solar-wind power plant, marking a milestone in the country’s push toward renewable energy and private-sector-led growth.

Scheduled to be commissioned in September 2026, the facility will increase Mauritania’s installed generation capacity—currently around 450 MW—by over 13 percent, while diversifying the energy mix and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Landmark for Private Sector Participation

The agreement was formally signed in Nouakchott in the presence of senior government officials. Speaking at the ceremony, Economy and Finance Minister Sid’Ahmed Ould Bouh emphasized that the deal reflects both investor confidence and the government’s commitment to sustainable growth:

“This project with private actors demonstrates their confidence in the Mauritanian government's commitment to diversifying the production base and providing sustainable energy sources to serve the economy.”

The project is significant not only because it expands renewable energy generation but also because it is fully financed by private capital, relieving Mauritania of additional public debt. Energy Minister Mohamed Ould Khaled underlined that this financing structure provides a sustainable pathway to meeting growing electricity demand while protecting state resources.

Addressing Energy Access Gaps

Despite its vast renewable potential, Mauritania struggles with low electrification, particularly in rural areas. Fewer than 10 percent of rural households currently have access to electricity, forcing the country to rely on imported fuels to meet its needs.

Under President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani’s energy transition plan, Mauritania has set ambitious goals:

• Achieve universal electricity access.

• Reach 70 percent renewable generation by 2030.

The Iwa Green Energy project represents a step forward in bridging this energy gap while ensuring sustainability and resilience in the power sector.

Desert to Power Initiative Framework

The project is among the first developed under the Desert to Power Independent Power Producer Joint Protocol, a regional framework promoted by the African Development Bank (AfDB). Covering 11 Sahel countries, the protocol provides standardized terms to attract private investment in renewable energy projects.

AfDB’s Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Daniel Schroth, praised Mauritania’s leadership:

“This project will contribute to the goals of the Desert to Power Initiative and Mauritania’s Mission 300 Energy Compact. It illustrates how the Joint Protocol can accelerate implementation of IPP projects in the Sahel.”

Strategic and Regional Significance

The hybrid solar-wind model ensures stable power generation by combining daytime solar output with nighttime wind generation. This approach maximizes reliability and efficiency, especially for countries with fluctuating demand and limited backup infrastructure.

The move is also part of a broader continent-wide trend, with African nations increasingly turning to IPPs to mobilize private capital, reduce financial burdens on governments, and accelerate renewable energy deployment.

Mauritania’s deal with Iwa Green Energy thus not only strengthens the country’s energy independence but also positions it as an emerging leader in renewable innovation within West Africa.

When operational, the plant will support both economic growth and social development, by improving electricity supply for households, industries, and future investments in Mauritania’s growing economy.