Mauritania green ammonia plant has taken shape as hydrogen project developer Hynfra signed a Framework Agreement. Estimated at $1.5 billion, the plant’s agreement was built upon the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last year. The recent activity now also paves way for the next phase of the project to enter. The latest agreement was signed with Mauritania Green Ammonia, a special-purpose company established by the Polish company. After feasibility studies are carried out, the project will enter the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase.
Moreover, it will secure environmental assessments and the permitting process in 2027-28. The plant is scheduled to go into operation by 2030. Located in the southern zone of the Somelev wind farm near Nouakchott, the facility is expected to deliver 100,000 tonnes of green ammonia per year once operational. Green ammonia from the $1.5bn project will be exported via Mauritania’s largest port, Port de l’Amitié. Green Ammonia projects are gradually taking shape, with Africa’s largest in South Africa by Hive Coega being recently unveiled.
Project Factsheet
Significance:
- Largest green ammonia project in Africa with an estimated value of $1.5 billion.
- Also expected to supply 100,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually by 2030.
- Confirms Mauritania’s status as a renewable energy gateway to the continent of Europe.
Infrastructure:
- Located near Nouakchott in the Somelev wind farm zone.
- Powered by a combination of photovoltaic solar power, wind energy, and electrolyser technology.
- Desalination, energy storage, and export facilities for water at Port de l’Amitié.
Developer:
- Developed by Mauritania Green Ammonia (MGA) established by Polish company Hynfra.
- Framework Agreement signed in 2024, following a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding.
- Funded by Mauritania’s 2024 Hydrogen Code, one of the most advanced globally.
Funding:
- Project cost estimate of $1.5 billion.
- Financed by private funding through Hynfra and international hydrogen partnerships.
- Designed to target European offtakers who are seeking low-carbon fuel supply.
Challenges:
- Green ammonia projects are unsure of long-term demand from customers.
- Includes long feasibility, FEED, and permitting through to 2028.
- Competes with Mauritania’s larger-scale projects, including CWP’s renewables 30 GW proposal.
The Scope of Implementation on Mauritania Green Ammonia Plant
The implementation on Mauritania green ammonia plant includes a photovoltaic solar plant and wind farm to power the electrolyser. Moreover, it will also include supporting infrastructure such as water desalination, energy storage, and dedicated export facilities. Tomoho Umeda, Hynfra President and General Director of MGA noted his regards in being part of the project. “Mauritania, thanks to the combination of high solar irradiation and strong, stable winds, has some of the best conditions in the world for the development of renewable energy,” he said. He also noted that combined with a century of Polish experience in ammonia synthesis, the project creates a unique opportunity to build a project of global significance.
The project also comes as international developers increasingly eye North Africa as a green hydrogen hub for Europe. The aim of this is to leverage vast land and renewable resources. Companies including CWP Global, TotalEnergies, Masdar and GM Hydrogen are also pursuing projects in Mauritania. However, though there are commendable strides forward, some challenges on green ammonia projects are also present. CWP’s 30GW renewables project faced uncertainty earlier this year over buyer demand. However, CEO Mark Crandall has since reaffirmed the plans on the project targeting 10 million tonnes of ammonia annually is still on. Hynfra’s initiative is also supported by the country’s 2024 Hydrogen Code, one the “most advanced legislative frameworks worldwide.”
