Mauritania is poised to become Africa’s third-largest gas exporter with the imminent production from the Grande Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas field.
Major industry players such as bp, Total Energies, and Shell are actively exploring Mauritania’s basin, while the government is prioritizing the full exploitation of the country’s gas potential until 2030.
As part of this strategy, Mauritania has launched the Energy Service Zone project in Nouakchott under its Gas Master Plan initiated in 2022.
A consortium comprising South African, Tunisian, and Mauritanian consulting firms presented the concept of the Energy Service Zone project to the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum, and Mines in May 2023.
The project, officially launched by EPCM during the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2023 conference, aims to establish fundamental infrastructure to unlock Mauritania’s potential. The Ministry is seeking a private operator to develop and operate the service zone.
Alexandra Gazendam, Director of EPCM, sees the project as a catalyst for foreign direct investment and local private sector empowerment.
The Energy Service Zone, part of a broader infrastructure revitalization program, will focus on port facilities. Initiatives like the Tanit Development Hub and the designation of Nouadhibou as a Free Zone aim to attract investors and stimulate economic activity.
Moreover, the Energy Service Zone is envisioned to evolve into a hub for green hydrogen production, aligning with Mauritania’s renewable energy ambitions.
Projects like Conjuncta, Infinity, Nour de Chariot, and Aman aim to produce green hydrogen for export or derivative products like ammonia.
The special economic zone status will facilitate lower-cost transformation and export of green hydrogen to Europe, enhancing Mauritania’s economic competitiveness.
In summary, the establishment of the Energy Service Zone project holds promise not only for the energy sector but also for stimulating broader economic growth in Mauritania.
Its special status will attract international trade and investment, driving economic development beyond the energy industry.
