After France’s departure, a major power vacuum has been created in the Sahel region, which many new players have sought to fill. This vacuum has become an irresistible temptation for countries that want to gain access to the abundant natural resources in the Sahel or for purely geostrategic reasons.
In recent times, Mauritania seems to have emerged as the favorite destination for global players to flex their muscles, even in the Sahel region.
Read More: Algeria’s unlikely ally: how will their partnership shape the future of the Sahel
After Iran, Germany rushes to Mauritania
We have recently seen Iran’s growing interest in Mauritania. However, after Iran, now Germany is making fresh overtures to Mauritania. While Iran is seeking partnerships with Mauritania primarily for geopolitical reasons, Germany is eyeing its natural resources, specifically its hydrogen.
As per a report, a German company, Conjuncta, has signed a memorandum of understanding for a $34 billion green energy project in Mauritania. Egyptian and Emirati firms are also part of the deal, and the three countries have signed an agreement to set up an international consortium for the hydrogen project.
The facility aims to produce up to eight million tonnes of green hydrogen and other hydrogen-based end products annually in Mauritania, with an electrolysis capacity of up to 10 gigawatts, the German company said in a joint statement with the other firms. The first phase is due to be completed within five years.
Read More: Germany’s Green energy sector is now at the mercy of Namibia
The Conjuncta Chief Executive has stated that this project will have a strong link to Germany, both as a technology provider and a potential off-taker of green energy. Germany is already involved in several clean energy projects in Africa, and now it has chosen Mauritania for its “green hydrogen giant” dream.
In an effort to move away from dependency on fuel imports and meet climate targets, Germany has been searching for alternative energy suppliers. Earlier, Germany looked to Namibia for hydrogen, as it considers green hydrogen as a potential fuel for its energy transition. Additionally, since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, alternative energy supplies have become of paramount importance for Germany. It has reduced its dependence on Russian oil from 35% to 12% and on Russian gas from 55% to 35%.
As we have previously reported, Germany aims to position itself as a global front-runner in green hydrogen and to become a market leader in hydrogen technology. Therefore, in its efforts to diversify its energy resources, Germany has now landed in Mauritania.
Read More: Germany’s sinister plan to control world’s hydrogen supplies through Africa
