Mauritania is on the brink of an energy transformation, poised to harness its vast natural resources through the creation of the Future Energy Service Zone in Nouakchott. This strategic initiative comes at a pivotal time, as the country edges closer to initiating production at the Grande Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas field, setting the stage for Mauritania to ascend as Africa’s third-largest gas exporter. The venture is backed by significant global energy conglomerates, including BP, Total Energies, and Shell, signaling strong industry confidence in Mauritania’s energy potential. This development is a cornerstone of the government’s Gas Master Plan, unveiled in 2022, aiming for the comprehensive exploitation of the nation’s gas reserves by 2030.
In May 2023, a consortium of South African, Tunisian, and Mauritanian consulting firms – EPCM, Jade Advisory, and Meen&Meen – presented the Energy Service Zone project concept to Mauritania’s Ministry of Energy, Petroleum, and Mines. This project, officially announced at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2023 conference, is a testament to the government’s commitment to nurturing the energy sector’s growth, with plans to enlist a private operator for the zone’s development and operation.
According to Alexandra Gazendam, Director of EPCM, the establishment of this service zone is pivotal. It is envisioned as a launchpad for significant foreign direct investment and a means to bolster the local private sector, underpinning Mauritania’s ascent as a critical player in the global energy market.
The Energy Service Zone initiative dovetails with broader infrastructural and economic revitalization efforts across Mauritania, notably in enhancing port facilities crucial for the energy sector’s expansion. This includes a pre-feasibility study by Hamburg Port Consulting for Port N’diago and the development of the Tanit Development Hub and Nouadhibou Free Zone to stimulate investment and economic activity.
The scope of the Energy Service Zone extends beyond traditional oil and gas, positioning Mauritania as a future leader in green hydrogen production. Ambitious projects, such as Conjuncta, Infinity, Total Energies’ Nour de Chariot, and CWP’s Aman, aim to leverage Mauritania’s renewable resources for green hydrogen production, targeting significant outputs by 2030. These initiatives align with the global shift towards sustainable energy, with the Energy Service Zone serving as a critical infrastructure for production, transformation, and export, particularly to European markets.
The strategic importance of the Energy Service Zone transcends the energy sector, promising to catalyze the entire Mauritanian economy. By fostering an environment conducive to international trade and investment, this initiative is poised to deliver far-reaching economic benefits, marking a new era of prosperity and sustainability for Mauritania. As the country prepares to unlock its full energy potential, the Future Energy Service Zone in Nouakchott stands as a beacon of innovation and growth, emblematic of Mauritania’s ambitious vision for its future in the global energy landscape.
Source: Energy Capital & Power
