As of 2022, the electricity consumption in Mauritania remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with close to 60% of its electricity generated from these sources. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources make up just over a fifth of the total electricity consumption. Of this clean energy share, hydropower is the largest contributor at around 10%, followed by solar and wind, contributing almost 7% and 5% respectively. Meanwhile, approximately 19% of Mauritania's electricity comes from net imports. The reliance on fossil fuels is of grave concern, given the negative environmental impacts associated with them, such as climate change and air pollution. Transitioning to more sustainable, low-carbon electricity sources should be a priority for the country.
Is Electricity Growing in Mauritania?
Considering the recent figures, electricity consumption in Mauritania is experiencing modest growth with a per capita consumption record of 414 kWh in 2022, up from the previous high of 402 kWh in 2020. This indicates a positive increase of 12 kWh/person. However, the share of low-carbon electricity per capita has seen a slight decline, dropping to 92 kWh in 2022 compared to the previous high of 105 kWh in 2019. This worrying trend emphasizes the need for more robust growth in sustainable energy generation to support the expanding electricity demand while also mitigating environmental impacts.
Suggestions
To bolster the share of low-carbon electricity in Mauritania, the country could benefit from focusing on both solar and nuclear energy. Looking to regions like Lebanon, Greece, and Chile, which have successfully integrated solar energy reaching shares around 20-31%, could provide a roadmap for addressing solar potential in Mauritania. Additionally, while there is no nuclear energy production currently, exploring partnerships and technological transfers with nuclear power strongholds like France or Slovakia, where more than 60% of electricity comes from nuclear energy, could help Mauritania diversify its low-carbon energy mix. This growth in sustainable power sources is crucial for reducing fossil fuel reliance and ensuring energy security.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Mauritania reveals a pattern of gradual yet insufficient enhancement. In the 2000s and early 2010s, hydropower saw negligible increases, with only a modest 0.1 TWh uptick in 2009. Solar and wind contributions literally began in 2013, with wind contributing a further 0.1 TWh in 2015 and solar following with 0.1 TWh in 2018. Unfortunately, 2016 marked a negative turn for hydropower, which slightly declined by 0.1 TWh. The relatively stagnant growth in these sectors highlights the importance of accelerating the expansion of clean energy to fulfill the rising electricity demands and capitalize on the abundant solar and wind resources available in the region. Such efforts would be instrumental in sustaining economic progress and ecological well-being.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.