The photovoltaic facility at Mauritania

UAE has reaffirmed its long-standing support for economic and social growth projects in developing countries.

During the inauguration of the Sheikh Zayed Solar Power Plant, a utility-scale, 15-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) facility in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Sheikh Saeed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi’s Ruler Representative said the country’s philanthropic commitment is aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

“This inauguration underscores the important role renewable energy can play to drive comprehensive sustainable development in Africa,” said Sheikh Saeed. “This project would not have been possible without the strong support of General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

“The UAE’s policy of aiding developing countries was first established by the late founding father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan,” added Sheikh Saeed. “Today, we continue to carry out his vision and legacy, and this solar power plant is a testament to our strong bi-lateral relationship with Mauritania and our commitment to helping create a more sustainable future.”

This statement was made as Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, delivered the Sheikh Zayed Solar Power Plant in the capital city of Nouakchott. The largest solar PV plant in Africa, the Dh117.5 million ($31.99 million) facility accounts for 10 per cent of Mauritania’s energy capacity and will displace approximately 21,225 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

Mauritania’s electricity grid, which is powered mostly by expensive diesel generators, currently has an installed capacity of only 144 megawatts, resulting in severe energy shortages. With energy demand increasing by 12 per cent annually, the addition of solar power will help meet future electricity shortfalls and supply the energy demand of approximately 10,000 homes.

The plant, which consists of 29,826 micromorph thin-film panels, was built using innovative and sustainable construction practices. In particular, project engineers designed the support structure for the PV modules to be piled into the ground instead of using a concrete foundation, which reduced the project’s carbon footprint and cost.

“Energy access is a pathway to economic and social opportunity,” said Mauritania President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz. “Electrification, through sustainable sources of energy, is critical in ensuring our people have access to basic services and is a step toward improving our infrastructure and long-term economic development.  We are pleased to have partnered with Masdar to successfully deliver Africa’s largest solar PV plant and an important facility to meet Mauritania’s growing energy needs.

“This new solar power plant not only provides much needed grid capacity for our people, it also proves that renewable energy can play a major role in the development of our country. The UAE, a nation dedicated to improving global welfare, have committed resources and expertise to improving energy access through renewable energy technologies. This is a testament to the UAE leadership’s vision of ensuring sustainable development – economically, socially and environmentally,” added Aziz.

The UAE has a long history of reinvesting its hydrocarbon wealth into helping developing countries promote economic development and alleviate poverty. From the construction of water and road infrastructure to building hospitals and schools, the UAE is enabling economic growth across developing nations.

Today, the acceleration and adoption of renewable energy is part of the UAE’s commitment to the developing world. With the price of renewable energy technologies falling, solar and wind power are becoming economically viable solutions to improving energy security and access. Domestically generated renewable energy is clean, sustainable and helps developing nations insulate themselves from volatile fuel prices.