NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania, November 1, 2025: Mauritania and France have signed a €39.224 million agreement to finance the construction of ten dual solar power stations equipped with battery storage systems, according to an official announcement from the Mauritanian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Promotion of Productive Sectors. The agreement, signed in Nouakchott, is part of a bilateral cooperation initiative between the two countries, focused on supporting Mauritania’s energy infrastructure. The funding will enable the development of solar power plants designed to integrate photovoltaic systems with battery storage, aimed at strengthening the reliability and reach of the national electricity network.
The financial protocol was signed by Mauritania’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Promotion of Productive Sectors Abdessalam Mohamed Saleh and France’s Ambassador to Mauritania, Alexandre Garcia. The financing is being provided through a loan arrangement under the French Development Agency’s infrastructure support programs. The new solar facilities will be located in various regions across the country and are expected to supply electricity to communities currently underserved or disconnected from the national grid. According to Mauritanian officials, the hybrid systems will be linked to existing power infrastructure, allowing the plants to contribute to local grids and improve service continuity.
Mauritania’s current energy sector relies heavily on fossil fuels and imported electricity, particularly in remote and rural areas. This project is intended to help reduce dependency on thermal generation by harnessing the country’s abundant solar resources. The addition of battery storage is designed to support load balancing and enable round-the-clock electricity supply from intermittent renewable sources. The ten solar power stations will be developed in phases, with Mauritania’s electricity utility, Société Mauritanienne d’Electricité (Somelec), overseeing the technical integration and operational management. France will provide financial oversight through its development cooperation mechanisms, with follow-up to be conducted by both governments.
France among top bilateral donors for energy in Mauritania
The agreement builds on earlier cooperation between Mauritania and France in the fields of infrastructure, education, and health. French officials noted that the energy project is among the largest single-country renewable energy investments supported by France in West Africa this year. Mauritania has made efforts in recent years to expand access to electricity, particularly in rural zones where coverage remains limited. The Ministry of Petroleum, Mines and Energy reported in 2024 that less than half of rural households were connected to reliable power sources. By adding distributed solar and storage systems, the government aims to reduce regional disparities in electricity availability. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both countries, including representatives from Somelec and the French Development Agency.
Solar potential in Mauritania ranks among Africa’s highest
Implementation of the project will begin following completion of site surveys and procurement procedures. A timeline for the rollout of the ten power stations has not been released. Mauritania’s solar irradiation levels are among the highest in Africa, making it a viable location for utility-scale solar power generation. The integration of energy storage technology is expected to enhance grid stability and improve power quality, especially during peak consumption periods. This latest agreement reflects a formal step forward in Mauritania’s infrastructure development agenda and its efforts to diversify its energy mix through international partnerships. – By Content Syndication Services.