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Mauritania’s Quest for Green Hydrogen Financing

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green hydrogen

Mauritania, as a high potential market for solar and wind, seeks global partnerships and investments to expands its nascent green hydrogen industry

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania, August 2, 2023/APO Group/ — 

The Mauritanian government has placed green hydrogen as a strategic development opportunity under efforts to position the country as a global hydrogen hub. However, to achieve this objective, significant investments are required. Moustapha Bechir, Director General of Hydrocarbons at Mauritania’s Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, stated in an exclusive interview with Energy Capital & Power (ECP) (https://www.EnergyCapitalPower.com) that, “With its sunshine, year-round winds and extensive coastline, Mauritania has the potential to become a leading green hydrogen producer in the region and the world.”

However, challenges associated with lack of investment and infrastructure have largely restricted industry growth.

According to a McKinsey analysis, meeting the green hydrogen goals of top African countries will require up to $55 billion in investment by 2030 and $900 billion by 2050. The main infrastructure challenges in the MSGBC nation, according to Isselmou Lehbib, Director of the Port of Ndiago in Mauritania, are a lack of roads connecting ports to the rest of the nation; an absence of power; and a shortage of pipelines.

“The main projects, like Nour or Aman, are located northeast of Nouakchott, in the middle of the desert, near the mining region, and we need to unlock these areas,” Lehbib said in an interview with ECP. As such, Mauritania is pursuing a range of financing mechanisms to grow its green hydrogen market.

The Support of the World Bank and the AfDB

Mauritania has significant potential in hydrogen production through gas reforming and renewable energy-powered electrolysis

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank have emerged as top advocates for Mauritania’s green hydrogen initiatives. The AfDB is supporting Mauritania in areas such as legal frameworks, local procurement requirements and green hydrogen knowledge transfer, while the World Bank has released the country’s Roadmap for Low-Carbon Hydrogen Development, providing support through policy advise and frameworks.

Loana Billieux, World Bank Communications Associate for Western and Central Africa, agrees that large investments are needed in Mauritania to unleash the potential of green hydrogen. “Mauritania has significant potential in hydrogen production through gas reforming and renewable energy-powered electrolysis,” she explained to ECP, “But the sector requires substantial investments and impact management throughout the value chain.”

Support from these multinational development finance institutions is not enough, and as such, Mauritania is looking towards the private sector to fund projects. The government signed an agreement with Britain’s bp for the evaluation of the technical and commercial feasibility of green hydrogen Additionally, companies such as Conjuncta, CWP Global, Total Eren and Chariot are spearheading projects. These developments barely scratch the surface of the country’s green hydrogen potential, and the government is inviting new private players to join the market.

In Search of State Partners

Mauritania has also turned to its regional neighbors to finance the green hydrogen market. Abdessalam Ould Mohamed Saleh, Mauritania’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, is touring the world to meet with and encourage possible state investors. Last June, he proposed that Belgium serve as the first entry point for Mauritanian green hydrogen in Europe. He put forward a bilateral memorandum of understanding for European authorities to consider.

Saleh also met with Wung Wentao, China’s Minister of Economic Cooperation and Trade, to discuss bilateral investment and cooperation opportunities, notably in the field of green hydrogen. China intends to put 50,000 hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles on the road by 2025, as well as establish a number of hydrogen-recharging stations, making it a viable market for Mauritanian green hydrogen.

With the government inviting regional investors, private sector players and global financiers to join the lucrative Mauritanian green hydrogen market, the upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power conference – scheduled for November 21-22 in Nouakchott – will connect stakeholders, providing a platform for deals to be signed and investment secured. For more information, click here (https://apo-opa.info/3OHK6dn).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Genesis Energy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Discuss Energy Expansion at Congo Energy & Investment Forum

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Genesis Energy

Akinwole Omoboriowo II will discuss Genesis Energy’s plan to deliver 10.5 GW of power across Africa, highlighting how Nigeria’s power sector experience can inform the development of the Republic of Congo’s domestic energy grid and gas export potential

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo, January 20, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Akinwole Omoboriowo II, CEO of Genesis Energy, will speak at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in Brazzaville this March, where he will discuss the company’s plans to deliver 10.5 GW of power across Africa, with a focus on energy initiatives that align with the Republic of Congo’s energy development goals.

Genesis Energy is driving transformational power projects, including providing 334MW to the Port Harcourt Refinery in Nigeria and plans to produce 1 GW within the WAEMU region. In October 2024, Genesis and BPA Komani announced their strategic partnership to mobilize capital and facilitate critical infrastructure projects focused on renewable energy, particularly Battery Energy Storage Systems across Africa. Additionally, Genesis’ recent MOU with the U.S. Agency for International Development will mobilize $10 billion for green energy and renewable projects, supporting Africa’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

The inaugural Congo Economic and Investment Forum, set for March 25-26, 2025 in Brazzaville, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

During CEIF 2025, Omoboriowo will explore how Genesis’ successful energy infrastructure development projects in Africa, combined with private sector innovation, can guide the Republic of Congo in strengthening its energy security and achieving its decarbonization goals. By leveraging its expertise in clean energy and strategic partnerships, Genesis Energy is poised to play a key role in helping the Republic of Congo harness its energy potential and expand its regional energy influence.

The Republic of Congo’s renewable energy sector is in a phase of growth, with increasing interest in solar, hydro and wind energy projects. Battery energy storage capacities are also gaining traction as a vital component of the country’s energy infrastructure, helping to balance supply and demand. The government is focusing on diversifying its energy mix to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and enhance grid reliability. Looking ahead, the Congo aims to expand its renewable energy capacity and integrate storage solutions to meet growing domestic and regional energy needs while supporting environmental sustainability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Eni, TotalEnergies Announce New Exploration Projects in Libya

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National Oil Corporation

Eni is launching three exploration plays, TotalEnergies is expecting promising results from its recent onshore exploration project, and other developments were shared during an upstream IOC-led panel at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 19, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) and international energy companies TotalEnergies, Eni, OMV, Repsol and Nabors outlined key exploration milestones and strategies to advance oil and gas production in Libya at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2025 on January 18.

Among the key developments highlighted were TotalEnergies’ recent onshore exploration project and promising exploration opportunities in the Sirte and Murzuq basins.

“With 40% of Africa’s reserves, Libya remains largely untapped,” said Julien Pouget, Senior Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa at TotalEnergies. Pouget shared TotalEnergies’ plans for 2025, including the completion of an onshore exploration project and new exploration in the Waha and Sharara fields. “We expect results next week,” he added.

Luca Vignati, Upstream Director at Eni, echoed optimism for Libya’s potential and outlined the company’s ongoing investment initiatives in the country. “We are launching three exploration plays – shallow, deepwater and ultra-deep offshore. No other country offers such opportunities,” Vignati stated. He also highlighted the company’s investments in gas projects, including over $10 billion for the Greenstream gas pipeline and a CO2 capture and storage plant in Mellitah.

Repsol affirmed its commitment to advancing exploration in Libya, focusing on overcoming industry challenges and achieving significant production milestones.

We have 48 billion barrels of discovered but unexploited oil, with total potential estimated at 90 billion barrels, especially offshore

“Over the past decade, Libya has made remarkable efforts to fight natural field decline and encourage exploration,” said Francisco Gea, Executive Managing Director, Exploration & Production at Repsol. “We have reached 340,000 barrels per day. The two million target is within reach, and as international companies, we have the responsibility to bring capacity and technology.”

“Innovation is key to maximizing production and accelerating exploration. By deploying cutting-edge solutions, Nabors can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and ensure safer operations,” added Travis Purvis, Senior Vice President of Global Drilling Operations at Nabors.

Bashir Garea, Technical Advisor to the Chairman of the NOC, highlighted the country’s immense oil and gas potential. “We have 48 billion barrels of discovered but unexploited oil, with total potential estimated at 90 billion barrels, especially offshore,” he said. He also pointed to Libya’s sizable gas reserves, noting, “Libya has 122 trillion cubic feet of gas yet to be developed. To unlock this potential, we need more investors and new technology, particularly for brownfield revitalization.”

“Our strategy spans the entire value chain. Strengthening infrastructure is essential to maximizing production and efficiency,” said Hisham Najah, General Manager of the NOC’s Investment & Owners Committees Department.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber and session moderator, underlined Libya as a prime destination for foreign investment: “Libya is at the cusp of a new energy era. The time for bold investments and strategic partnerships is now.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Libya’s Oil Minister: Brownfields, Local Investment Key to 2M Barrels Per Day (BPD) Production

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Libya’s Oil & Gas Minister outlined plans to boost production to 1.6 million bpd in 2025 and 2 million bpd long-term, with brownfield development and local investment at the core, during the Libya Energy & Economic Summit

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 19, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Libya is setting its sights on boosting oil production to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) within the next two to three years, with brownfield development and local investment identified as critical drivers of this growth. Speaking at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) in Tripoli on Saturday, Minister of Oil and Gas Dr. Khalifa Abdulsadek outlined the country’s strategy to reach 1.6 million bpd by year-end and laid the groundwork for longer-term growth.

“There are massive opportunities here, massive fields that have been discovered, but a lot of fields have fallen between the cracks,” stated Minister Abdulsadek during the Ministerial Panel, Global Energy Alliance – Uniting for a Secure and Sustainable Energy Future. “We want to make sure local oil companies take part. We also want to leverage the upcoming licensing round to support our planned growth in the oil sector.”

The minister’s remarks were complemented by a strong call for international participation in Libya’s upcoming licensing round, signaling the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration and maximizing the potential of its energy sector.

Highlighting Libya’s vast natural gas potential – with reserves of 1.5 trillion cubic meters – Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, stressed the need for enhanced investment in gas projects. He pointed to ongoing initiatives like the $600 million El Sharara refinery as opportunities to stimulate economic diversification.

There are massive opportunities here, massive fields that have been discovered, but a lot of fields have fallen between the cracks

“Natural gas is available,” Hamel stated, adding, “It is the greenest of hydrocarbons and we see natural gas continuing to grow until 2050.”

The panel also tackled the global energy transition, emphasizing Africa’s unique challenges and the need for the continent to harness its resources to achieve energy security. Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), underscored the critical need for finance, technology and reliable markets to drive progress.

“At APPO, we have noted three specific challenges for the African continent. Finance, technology and reliable markets,” he stated, questioning whether Africa can continue to depend on external forces to develop its resources.

As one of Africa’s top oil producers, Libya holds an estimated 48 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. The country’s efforts to expand production, attract investment and drive innovation are central to the discussions at LEES 2025. Endorsed by the Ministry of Oil and Gas and National Oil Corporation, the summit has established itself as the leading platform for driving Libya’s energy transformation and exploring its impact on global markets.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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