| Work Detail |
The aim is to improve the capacity of energy sector actors so they can develop inclusive plans for new energy generation and transmission Mauritania’s government and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) signed a $27 million threshold grant agreement to modernise the electricity sector and strengthen resilience in the country. The threshold grant programme consists of two projects that seek to address development needs and reduce poverty while generating inclusive economic growth in Mauritania. The Energy Project will support the Government of Mauritania’s development goals of achieving universal access to electricity by 2030. The aim is to improve the capacity of energy sector actors so they can develop inclusive plans for new energy generation and transmission, efficiently and effectively operate the electricity grid, and strengthen regulation. The Resilience Project aims to advance the government of Mauritania’s capacity to plan, coordinate, fund, and implement environmental resilience. By fostering long-term sustainability through practical capacity building and institutional strengthening, the project is mean to promote resilience and align investments with development and social goals. According to Regulatory Indicators For Sustainable Energy (RISE), energy access sits at 45% in Mauritania, with renewables constituting more than half of the country’s energy mix. Mauritania’s renewable energy would benefit citizens and the mining sector The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) reports that several challenges confront the country, including issues in sectoral organisation, technical capacity, demand/supply imbalances, and gaps in supplying clean and affordable electricity to its population. In its report released in 2024, the International Energy Agency (IEA) stated that Mauritania possesses high-quality wind and solar resources, and the large-scale development of these resources could catalyse the country’s efforts to provide universal electricity access to its citizens and realise its vision for sustainable economic development. “Renewables deployment would benefit mining—the largest industry in the country—which is currently reliant on diesel and heavy fuel oil for its operations. “A switch to renewable energy in the sector could lower costs, reduce emissions, increase efficiency, and improve energy security in the country. There is also potential to further electrify energy uses in mining,” IEA said. MCC CEO, Alice Albright, stated that by investing in and pursuing reforms in two critical areas—energy and environmental resilience—the MCC threshold programme can improve the lives of all Mauritanians and “create a strong and lasting foundation on which the Government of Mauritania can build.” “From enhancing Mauritania’s security to supporting democratic development to increasing energy and economic prosperity, the United States has remained steadfast in its support of Mauritania,” said Bright. |
