LocationsMauritania, a country particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, is determined to limit its greenhouse gas emissions. Symbolizing this commitment, an increasing number of young people have chosen to become agents of change by setting up renewable energy businesses. Solar parks, biogas initiatives, and bee conservation efforts are just a few examples of projects spearheaded by these young visionaries, highlighting the immense opportunities derived from the country's abundant natural resources.
Renewable Energy: Mauritania's Winning Bet
August 9, 2024
Mauritania
Photo: UNDP WACA
By Mansour Ndiaye, Resident Representative, UNDP Mauritania
The vast majority of southern Mauritania's 5 million inhabitants are concentrated in urban and peri-urban areas. The impacts of climate change are less pronounced in the capital, Nouakchott than in other cities. Nevertheless, an increasing number of young people living in the capital are aware of these issues.
Indeed, in Mauritania, sunshine and wind complement each other, providing the country with the necessary assets to implement the energy transition that has been underway for nearly a decade.
At Toujounine, the rise of green energy
On the outskirts of the city, within the large-scale solar park in Toujounine, Zaied Hamadi observes the vast field of 156,000 panels standing before him. These solar panels have the capacity to generate 50 megawatts of green electricity. By 2022, the largest solar power plant in the country already supplied over 12% of Nouakchott's energy needs, according to Zaied, the young manager of the plant. This energy production comes at a lower cost compared to fossil fuel energy, making it a more affordable option for households. This accomplishment fills Zaied with pride, as he is responsible for the management of the infrastructure.
"Through my work, I contribute to this transition to address the effects of climate change," he affirms.
A significant portion of the greenhouse gases polluting the Earth and trapping solar heat radiation stems from fossil fuels, which are sources of electricity and heat. In this park and elsewhere, one kilogram of solar electricity produced is equivalent to emitting 700 grams of CO2.
"The key lies in utilizing renewable energies to limit the CO2 emissions released by fossil fuel power plants. This can have an impact on an entire country and even worldwide if approached seriously," articulates the young plant manager. He further asserts, "Mauritania boasts tremendous solar potential; however, the drawback lies in our limited daytime production capacity. Therefore, we must either invest in storage technologies or optimize the utilization of our wind farm. Nevertheless, storage solutions currently remain costly.”
According to Zaied, by promoting numerous green energy projects like his wind farm, the country achieved an energy mix in 2022, with renewable energies accounting for a total of 30%.
In Nouakchott, the challenge of biomass for clean and local gas
Building a robust interconnected network across the country poses another challenge for Mauritania. This has sparked ideas in the mind of another young entrepreneur from Nouakchott. Aziza Sidi Bouna is an engineer specializing in the field of biomass. She collects animal waste from farms, her own home, or even the slaughterhouse in order to transform them into methane gas using a biodigester. This green source of energy is used for daily domestic activities, particularly cooking.
"1 kilogram of cow dung yields the energy equivalent required for one to two hours of cooking," explains Aziza.
Another benefit of this process is the production of organic fertilizer, which leads to better agricultural yields. Animal waste represents an inexhaustible resource and is a local, clean, circular, and cost-effective energy source.
"The energy transition is life. It is more than important in the fight against climate change, and we have understood this well. Additionally, this transition represents an opportunity, and in the future, everyone stands to gain from its implementation."Aziza Sidi Bouna, Renewable Energy Engineer
Currently, Aziza manufactures prototypes and mini biodigester kits suitable for household use. But after successfully implementing a community pilot project in the refugee camp of Bassikounou in Mauritania, she is poised to scale up operations and produce clean gas on a city-wide level, matching the size of Nouakchott itself.
Climate, a Valuable Asset for Environmental Protection and the Local Economy
In the workshop where he produces his honey, the young beekeeper Oumar Diallo also contributes to environmental protection, particularly with his 80 beehives installed over the past two years.
"Bees contribute 80% to pollination worldwide, thus enabling our survival on Earth by directly contributing to food security," declares Oumar.
But bees are also threatened by the effects of climate change, jeopardizing their ability to fulfill their critical role. This worries the beekeeper, who is also a renewable energy researcher.
"At my level, I use energy in a rational and reasonable manner. As young individuals, we bear the immense responsibility of spearheading this climate transition since we are an enlightened generation. Authorities must do everything to support and promote these models," remarks the young man.
While there is still much work to be done, several reasons for hope are already tangible. Zaied, the head of the solar power plant, concludes, "If in the future we can use at least 70% of renewable energies, it will bring about significant changes in our countries."