Electricity in Mauritania in 2022

In 2022, Mauritania's electricity consumption was prominently reliant on fossil fuels, with fossil energy sources accounting for approximately 1.19 TWh of the country's electricity. In terms of low-carbon or clean energy, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, the contribution was close to none, indicating a significant gap in sustainable electricity production. This places Mauritania in a challenging position as the global average electricity consumption stands at 3638 watts per person, far exceeding Mauritania's capabilities. The low levels of electricity generation can limit economic development, constrain access to modern amenities, and hinder the country's ability to address climate change challenges effectively.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Mauritania can look towards global examples where wind and solar power have successfully expanded. China and the United States, for example, are major producers of wind and solar electricity, generating 1003 TWh and 710 TWh of wind and solar, respectively, in China, and 454 TWh and 276 TWh of wind and solar, respectively, in the United States. Closer geographical examples, such as Brazil, produced over 100 TWh of wind electricity, demonstrating a successful strategy in similar climates. By harnessing its vast desert spaces for solar power and its coastal winds for wind power, Mauritania could significantly boost its clean energy production. Additionally, countries with advanced nuclear capabilities like France, the United States, and South Korea, show the potential benefits and reliability offered by nuclear energy as part of the energy mix.

History

Examining the history of low-carbon electricity in Mauritania, the country has experienced minimal growth in this area over the years. In the early 2000s, hydroelectric power showed no change in electricity generation, with only a slight increase in 2009. In the subsequent years, investment into solar and wind remained stagnant with occasional marginal increases, such as the 0.1 TWh in wind power in 2015 and solar power in 2018. This slow progression emphasizes the need for strategic planning and investment to amplify the contribution of clean energy sources across the country. For Mauritania to transition towards more sustainable electricity generation, significant advancements, especially in the areas of solar, wind, and potentially nuclear energy, are imperative.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources