Name of the Project
Mauritania-Mali electricity interconnection and solar power project.

Location
Mauritania and Mali.

Project Owner/s
Somelec and EDM SA.

Project Description
The project entails the construction of a high-voltage 225 kV double-circuit transmission network over 1 373 km – 184 km in Mali and 1 189 km in Mauritania. 

The project will also include the construction of a 50 MW solar power plant with a storage capacity of 35 MW/70 MWh, in Kiffa, Mauritania, linked to the interconnection, and connect 100 000 new households – 80 000 in Mauritania and 20 000 in Mali – to the power grid in the areas crossed by the cable.

The project forms part of the Desert to Power initiative, which will make the Sahel region the world’s biggest solar production zone, with up to 10 000 MW of solar generation capacity. 

Potential Job Creation
The project will create opportunities for young people and women to establish agricultural and service businesses.

Capital Expenditure
$667.8-million. The African Development Bank is co-financing the project with a loan of $302.9-million.

Planned Start/End Date
The project is expected to be implemented between 2024 and 2030.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Somelec, tel +222 45256783 or email somelec@somelec.mr.