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H.E. Nani Chrougha, Minister of Petroleum, Mines and Energy in Mauritania, delves into Mauritania’s aspirations for the commencement of first gas production, its commitment to green hydrogen projects, the importance of regional cooperation among MSGBC nations and his perspective on MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2023.
What does the commencement of first gas production mean for the MSGBC region, and specifically for Mauritania’s energy landscape?
The beginning of gas production in the MSGBC region marks a transformative moment, not just for Mauritania but for the entire region. It heralds a new era of energy opportunities and socio-economic growth that will profoundly impact our nation and the MSGBC region as a whole. The production of first gas acts as a catalyst, enabling us to strike a balance between conventional and sustainable energy sources. Furthermore, it strengthens our position in the global energy transition, aligning with our commitment to a low-carbon future.
Revenues generated from gas production will diversify our economy, creating jobs and new income sources that will stimulate economic growth and provide financial resources for critical development projects. Moreover, these revenues can be reinvested to support various sectors, such as green hydrogen, enhancing our national resilience and self-sufficiency. As our nation continues to grow, it is crucial that our citizens have access to reliable and affordable energy.
Can you provide an overview of the ongoing development of green hydrogen in Mauritania? What sets Mauritania apart from other globally recognized areas of interest for hydrogen?
The ongoing development of green hydrogen in Mauritania constitutes a major breakthrough toward sustainable energy and environmental responsibility. Our country is ideally positioned to become a key player in the global green hydrogen market, setting us apart from other areas of interest for hydrogen worldwide.
Distinctive features of Mauritania include its vast potential in renewable energy, estimated at 4,000 gigawatts, with 500 GW ready for immediate development even while adhering to the strictest environmental criteria. This abundant energy source is reinforced by our geographical advantage, with a coastal climate characterized by strong and consistent winds, ideal for wind energy. Additionally, Mauritania enjoys over 3,000 hours of sunlight per year, making it an excellent candidate for solar energy projects.
Our commitment to the green hydrogen sector is evident through projects such as Nour, Aman, and the Conjuncta and Infinity projects with a total planned production of 85 GW. These initiatives aim to harness renewable energy sources to produce clean hydrogen, which finds various applications in different sectors, including transportation, industry, and electricity production. A well-established roadmap and an infrastructure study are underway to establish a robust regulatory framework for green hydrogen and a cadastral system.
Regional cooperation is crucial for the MSGBC region: how can member countries ensure they speak with one voice, and how can this contribute to protecting their interests?
The prospect of fully leveraging the vast resources of the countries in the MSGBC region can bring profound transformation to our economies. The current exemplary collaboration between Senegal and Mauritania in the development of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas field, spanning both nations, serves as an example of what we can achieve by working together.
The interconnection of all countries in the sub-region is a crucial undertaking, requiring coordination and commitment from all member states. This is an initiative that can facilitate the achievement of our common economic goals. The OMVS and collaboration within the GTA gas project prove that when countries work together for mutual benefit, they achieve remarkable results for both current populations and future generations.
As the host of MSGBC 2023, what is your vision for the conference and how does it reflect Mauritania’s growing commitment to regional energy diplomacy?
As the host of MSGBC 2023, my vision for the conference is to provide a platform for constructive dialogue and collaboration. I envision MSGBC 2023 as a key event that deepens our commitment to regional energy diplomacy. The conference will facilitate the sharing of knowledge, encourage strategic partnerships, and represent the MSGBC region as a dynamic energy hub.
We aim to showcase our achievements, such as our progress toward the first gas production and our green hydrogen projects, as well as the potential for future collaboration and investment. The conference will highlight the role of our region in Africa’s energy landscape and the importance of our shared vision for sustainable development. We are just days away from the global climate summit COP28, and we would like to share our energy vision and create momentum for a just, equitable, and gradual transition while showcasing our gas, mining and energy resources.
