Mauritania and Italy have deepened their renewable energy cooperation through discussions on advancing a major green hydrogen and ammonia project aimed at exporting clean energy from West Africa to Europe.
Talks between Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Mauritania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, focused on Italian investment in the €2.5 billion project being developed by COIPA Energy.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last year with Mauritania’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, COIPA Energy plans to harness solar and wind power to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. The hydrogen will then be converted into ammonia, stored, and transported via pipeline to the Port of Nouakchott for export.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Mauritania’s position as a key clean energy exporter, capitalizing on its vast renewable resources and proximity to European markets.
The two nations also discussed expanding collaboration in renewable energy, security, agriculture, and health. The establishment of the Italian Embassy in Nouakchott last year further supports closer diplomatic and economic cooperation.
These talks come as Europe and North Africa accelerate efforts toward energy security and a low-carbon transition, with major players set to convene at the upcoming Libya Energy Summit.