Mauritania boosts electricity access via domestic gas production

Mauritania is moving to harness its offshore gas reserves to expand electricity access and cut fuel costs, reports Energy Capital & Power. Central to the plan is the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, straddling the Mauritania–Senegal maritime border, which is due to start production soon. The government intends to channel part of its gas share into domestic power generation, replacing expensive and polluting heavy fuel oil.

Existing 180 MW dual-fuel plants in Nouakchott will be joined by a new 120 MW gas-fired facility, adding 300 MW of capacity and improving grid reliability. Officials say the transition will lower tariffs, bolster energy security, and underpin industrial development, from mining to manufacturing.

The strategy forms part of a wider push to monetise gas for national benefit rather than relying solely on exports. It will be promoted at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power Conference in Dakar this December, where Mauritania hopes to attract investors and technical partners for long-term infrastructure growth.