Mauritania’s $1.5 billion green ammonia project combines solar, wind, and global expertise, boosting jobs, exports, and renewable energy leadership.
Mauritania is taking a bold step toward transforming Africa’s renewable energy sector by signing a $1.5 billion framework agreement to develop one of the continent’s largest green ammonia plants. The deal was concluded by hydrogen developer Hynfra through its subsidiary, Mauritania Green Ammonia (MGA), following a Memorandum of Understanding signed last year. This milestone marks the project’s transition from planning to a more concrete stage, signaling a major leap for the region’s clean energy ambitions.
The planned facility will be located near the Somelev wind farm, south of the capital Nouakchott, strategically chosen for its exceptional natural resources. The site benefits from abundant solar irradiation and consistently strong winds, creating ideal conditions for renewable energy generation. Slated to begin operations by 2030, the plant is expected to produce approximately 100,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually. Exports will be facilitated via Port de l’Amitié, Mauritania’s principal harbor, enabling the country to become a key supplier in the emerging global green ammonia market.
The plant’s operations will rely on both solar and wind power, employing state-of-the-art electrolysers to convert renewable electricity into ammonia. In addition, the project will integrate essential supporting infrastructure, including water desalination units, energy storage systems, and dedicated export facilities, ensuring both operational efficiency and sustainability.
Tomoho Umeda, President of Hynfra and General Director of MGA, emphasized the project’s unique alignment of geographical advantages and technical expertise. “Mauritania, thanks to the combination of high solar irradiation and strong, stable winds, has some of the best conditions in the world for the development of renewable energy,” he stated. Umeda highlighted that coupling these natural conditions with “a century of Polish experience in ammonia synthesis” positions the project as an initiative of global significance.
Mauritania is rapidly emerging as a hub for green hydrogen, attracting international energy players such as CWP Global, TotalEnergies, Masdar, and GM Hydrogen, all seeking to harness its abundant renewable resources. Yet, developers remain cautious, acknowledging challenges including the uncertainty of long-term green ammonia demand and the need to secure committed buyers, even for large-scale projects like CWP’s 30 GW renewable development.
Nevertheless, the Mauritania green ammonia initiative benefits from strong institutional support, particularly the country’s 2024 Hydrogen Code, considered one of the most advanced regulatory frameworks globally. This legal foundation enhances investor confidence and sets the stage for smooth project execution. Planned phases include feasibility studies, Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), environmental assessments, and permitting processes, with full operational readiness targeted for 2030.
Beyond its immediate production goals, the $1.5 billion project underscores Mauritania’s ambition to serve as a renewable energy bridge between Africa and Europe. By leveraging local natural resources alongside international technical expertise, it promises to generate jobs, stimulate economic growth, and establish Mauritania as a leader in the transition to low-carbon energy. More than a single industrial plant, this project signals the continent’s ability to transform renewable potential into tangible, large-scale industrial achievement.
