In a bold move for West African green energy, Danish powerhouse GreenGo Energy secured an agreement with Mauritania to build one of Africa’s largest green hydrogen projects. This deal opens a new chapter for both countries in their quest for sustainable energy leadership.
World-Class Resources Meet Danish Know-How
The agreement grants GreenGo Energy rights to over 100,000 hectares near Nouakchott for their Megaton Moon project. Mauritania’s exceptional renewable assets make the site ideal, offering development potential of 457.9 GW for solar and 47 GW for wind projects.
Karsten Nielsen, GreenGo Energy’s CEO, states: “Mauritania’s unique combination of abundant renewable resources, strategic location, and forward-thinking policies – including the enactment of Africa’s first Green Hydrogen Code – positions it as a leader in the global energy transition.”
Production Milestones Through 2033
The rollout proceeds in phases between 2029 and 2033. When complete, the plant will house 6 GW of electrolysis capacity, backed by 6.8 GW of wind and 6.3 GW of solar power. This measured staging allows for market readiness and infrastructure build-out.
Firstly, phase one begins boldly, targeting 500 MW of electrolysis, 600 MW of wind, and 600 MW of solar by 2029’s end. This initial push aims to yield 339,000 tons of green ammonia yearly. The phased method ensures steady growth while meeting evolving market needs.
Benefits Beyond Energy
The project delivers water and prosperity to local communities. "GreenGo Energy is not just building a project; we are building a future," says Ibrahima Diagana, Country Manager at GreenGo Energy Mauritania.
The initiative tackles water scarcity through desalination while creating jobs and enhancing local infrastructure.
A major advantage emerges through workforce development, as GreenGo Energy joins forces with Zealand Business College to run training programs preparing locals for green energy jobs.
Such collaboration ensures that Mauritanian workers master the skills needed to run and maintain the advanced facilities.
The project’s location south of Nouakchott offers distinct advantages for both production and distribution. Access to seawater for desalination pairs with existing infrastructure, creating an optimal hub for green hydrogen production. The coastal position enables smoother export to European markets.
Steel Industry Gains Momentum
The schedule meshes with Mauritania’s steel sector aspirations. The country seeks to capture up to 1% of the worldwide green steel market by 2050, with green hydrogen as a central element. As Africa’s second-largest iron producer, Mauritania exported 13 million tons of iron ore in 2022 alone.
"Green steel requires an essential input: green hydrogen," EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted in talks with President Ghazouani this year.
The EU’s backing includes a €300 billion Global Gateway grant to upgrade infrastructure between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
"This [deal] demonstrates the private sector’s continued confidence in the development of green hydrogen projects in Mauritania," said Mohamed Khaled, Minister of Energy and Petroleum.
Khaled welcomed the deal, noting sustained investor confidence despite market fluctuations. The project receives backing through GreenGo Energy’s partnership model, drawing on strategic investors with proven success in green energy.
For implementation, GreenGo Energy now starts the development phase, running detailed site surveys and feasibility studies. The company’s full-service platform brings expertise in orchestrating intricate renewable projects, supported by more than 130 employees worldwide.
Their track record in delivering large-scale initiatives positions them to achieve Mauritania’s green hydrogen goals.
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