Electricity in Mauritania in 2022
In 2022, Mauritania's electricity landscape was heavily dependent on fossil fuels, which accounted for just under 60% of its electricity generation. The reliance on fossil energy sources underscores the challenges of air pollution and climate change that many countries are striving to overcome. Meanwhile, low-carbon and clean energy sources constituted a significant portion of the remainder, with approximately one-fifth of the electricity coming from low-carbon options. Solar, wind, and hydropower made up nearly 7%, 5%, and 10% of the national electricity mix, respectively. Additionally, about 19% of Mauritania's electricity supply was covered through net imports, demonstrating the country's dependency on cross-border electricity trade.
Suggestions
Mauritania has the potential to significantly increase its low-carbon electricity share by leveraging both solar and wind resources, much like other nations that have successfully transitioned towards cleaner electricity. For instance, Denmark and Uruguay have become leaders in wind energy, generating over half and 28% of their electricity, respectively, from this clean source. Similarly, Lebanon has made advances in solar energy, achieving almost a third of its electricity generation from solar. Mauritania could benefit by investing in expanding solar facilities and wind farms, drawing inspiration from these countries and harnessing its abundant natural resources. Additionally, the exploration of nuclear energy, as seen in countries like the United Arab Emirates, could further diversify and stabilize Mauritania’s electricity grid.
History
Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in Mauritania reveals gradual developments over recent decades. Throughout the early 2000s, hydroelectric generation marginally increased around 2009 but witnessed a slight decrease in 2016, indicating a fairly stable yet modest reliance on this source. The introduction of solar and wind energy started gaining momentum around 2013, with notable increases in solar electricity in 2018 and wind electricity in 2015. Even though these steps indicate forward movement, there's a vast opportunity to accelerate this momentum by further integrating emerging green technologies and clean energy practices into national policies. Consistent enhancements in these areas could pave the way towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity generation framework in Mauritania.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.