Electricity in Mauritania in 2022

In 2022, Mauritania's electricity consumption largely depended on fossil fuels, generating approximately 1.19 TWh of electricity from such sources. As a consequence, almost the entirety of the country's electricity, specifically close to none of it, came from low-carbon sources such as solar or wind. This reliance on fossil fuels not only contributes to climate change and air pollution but also positions Mauritania below the global average in per capita electricity generation, which sits at around 3606 watts per person. The low levels of electricity generation could lead to limited access to reliable and affordable energy, potentially hindering socio-economic development and technological advancement in the region.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Mauritania can take inspiration from other countries that have successfully invested in clean energy technologies. For instance, China has made significant strides in wind and solar power, generating 950 TWh of wind and 653 TWh of solar electricity. Similarly, India has achieved remarkable results with both wind and solar, producing 92 TWh and 125 TWh respectively. Mauritania could leverage its extensive solar potential and optimal wind conditions to follow a similar path, focusing efforts on developing infrastructure and policies to support the growth of these sustainable energy sources. Moreover, emulating nuclear energy leaders like the United States or France could offer a stable, consistent source of clean electricity to complement variable renewables.

History

Mauritania's history with low-carbon electricity indicates a gradual exploration of alternative energy sources, although investment and output have been fairly modest. The early 2000s saw stagnation in hydroelectric power, with only a minor increase in 2009. The mid-2010s marked a turning point with the introduction of wind power in 2015, albeit with minimal generation increase. Similarly, solar energy made its first appearance in 2013, with a modest growth of 0.1 TWh in 2018. Despite these beginnings, continued and expanded commitment to wind and solar projects, informed by global examples, could push Mauritania towards a more sustainable and self-sufficient energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources