The plant, which is the first utility-scale solar installation in Mauritania, is expected to generate 10% of the electricity capacity in Mauritania. Annual demand for power in the country is projected to grow at a rate of 12% in 2012.
Government owned electric utility Société Mauritanienne de l’électricité (SOMELEC) will own and operate the Nouakchott solar power plant after completion.
Mauritania Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Mines H.E. Taleb Ould Abdivall said, "Mauritania has some of the highest levels of solar radiation in the world, making it an ideal place for solar power installations."
Masdar chief executive officer Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber commented that the project proved that energy access and commercially viable renewable energy can go together.
"Partnerships are at the core of Masdar’s business strategy and projects like this one underscore the critical role collaboration plays in renewable energy development," he added.
