In 2022, Mauritania primarily relied on fossil fuels for electricity consumption, with almost 59% of its electricity generated through this means. Close to a third of the country's electricity came from low-carbon sources, including hydropower, solar, and wind energy. Hydropower contributed more than 10% to the overall mix, while solar and wind together added roughly 12%. Additionally, nearly one-fifth of the electricity supply was met through net imports. This mix indicates a strong reliance on fossil fuels, yet there is a burgeoning contribution from low-carbon sources that hold potential for expansion.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Mauritania?
Regarding the growth of electricity consumption in Mauritania, there has been a slight upward trend. The total electricity consumption per person reached 414 kWh in 2022, marking an increase from the 402 kWh recorded in 2020. Although there is some growth, it is crucial to note that the low-carbon electricity generation has seen a downturn. The per capita low-carbon electricity fell to 92 kWh from its peak of 105 kWh in 2019, indicating a need for increased efforts in the clean energy sector. This drop in low-carbon generation is concerning, especially at a time when transitioning to cleaner energy is essential for sustainable growth.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Mauritania can learn from regions that excel in solar and wind energy production. Observing the significant achievements of areas like Nevada, where solar power represents almost a third of their electricity, and Denmark, which generates more than half of its electricity from wind, provides valuable insights. Simultaneously, incorporating nuclear energy into the mix can be beneficial, as seen in countries like France and Slovakia, both generating a substantial portion of their electricity from nuclear sources. Embracing these successful strategies can help Mauritania significantly expand its clean energy footprint, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigate the adverse environmental impacts associated with them.
History
Historically, Mauritania's low-carbon electricity generation has been marked by gradual changes. Throughout the early 2000s and into the 2010s, hydropower exhibited stability with minimal variations, though a slight uptick was noted in 2009. Progress in solar energy began in 2013 and saw a positive increment in 2018, reflecting an emerging interest in this sector. Wind energy made initial strides in 2015 and maintained its contribution in the following years. Despite some fluctuations, particularly in hydropower toward 2016, the overall trend indicates a gradual yet promising shift toward integrating efficient, low-carbon energies into the national grid. Such history emphasizes the potential and need for continued development in these sectors to ensure cleaner electricity for the future.
