Masdar completes second solar power project in Mauritania

UAE-based energy company Masdar has completed its second solar power project in Mauritania.

This facility will meet up to 30% of the power demand for rural communities including  Aioune, Akjoujt, Atar, Aleg, Boutilimit, Boulenour, Bani Chab and El Chami, reported Zawya.com.

The 16.6MW project is being delivered by Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, in partnership with Societe Mauritanienne d’Electricite (Somelec), which is Mauritania’s national electricity provider.

UAE Minister of State and Masdar chairman Sultan Al Jaber was quoted by Constructionweekonline.com as saying: "The eight projects bring economic and social benefits to Mauritania, providing opportunities for training and knowledge exchange and creating the foundations for long-term growth and development to the local community.”

Masdar broke ground on the solar power project last December.

This project will aid in reducing Mauritania's dependency on diesel-fuelled generators.

Somelec chose Masdar for the project following its delivery of the 15MW Sheikh Zayed solar facility in Nouakchott.