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Coipa Italia S.p.A
Mauritania NHThree Production Plant
COIPA Energy is developing a pioneering facility for green hydrogen and ammonia production in Mauritania. This project reflects a strong commitment to accelerating clean energy solutions in West Africa, harnessing the region’s exceptional solar and wind potential.
Further updates will follow as the project moves forward.
COIPA Energy – Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Project in Mauritania
COIPA Energy is proud to lead the development of a groundbreaking green hydrogen and ammonia production plant in Mauritania. This initiative represents a strategic commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions in West Africa and contributing to the global energy transition.
Below is an overview of the project’s current components and future outlook. Further updates will be provided as the initiative progresses.
To learn more about the broader vision and the organizations supporting this initiative, we invite you to visit the dedicated project website: www.coipaenergy.com
Section 1: Renewable Power Generation
The project combines solar and wind power to generate clean electricity, mainly for green hydrogen production. It may also provide electricity and fresh water to nearby communities.
Section 2: Green Hydrogen Production
Hydrogen can be produced in several ways, but this project focuses on green hydrogen—made via electrolysis using renewable energy, with zero emissions. It’s key to a carbon-neutral future.
Section 3: Green Ammonia Production
Green ammonia is produced from hydrogen and nitrogen, then exported via Nouakchott. In Italy, it’s cracked back into hydrogen to support a clean energy supply chain.
Section 1:
Renewable Power Generation
The project integrates a large-scale photovoltaic (solar) plant and an onshore wind farm to generate renewable electricity. This clean power is primarily used to produce green hydrogen (see Section 2).
Additionally, the infrastructure may support the distribution of electricity and fresh water to improve the quality of life for local communities surrounding the central project area.
Section 2:
Green Hydrogen Production
Hydrogen is produced via multiple methods, including:
- Electrolysis (using renewable energy from Section 1)
- Steam methane reforming (SMR)
- Biomass gasification
This project focuses on green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis, which uses only renewable electricity and emits no greenhouse gases. This makes it a key enabler for a carbon-neutral future.
Section 3:
Green Ammonia Production
The project utilizes the Haber-Bosch process to synthesize ammonia by combining:
- Green hydrogen (from Section 2)
- Nitrogen, extracted from the air via a dedicated Air Separation Unit (ASU)
The resulting green ammonia is stored on-site and transported via pipeline to the Port of Nouakchott, where it can be shipped to international markets.
In particular, Italy is a key destination, where ammonia can be cracked back into green hydrogen at a dedicated ammonia cracking facility, supporting a clean hydrogen supply chain across the Mediterranean.
Hydrogen Utilization and Impact
Hydrogen produced by the project serves multiple uses:
- Fuel cells for zero-emission vehicles
- Industrial applications
- Energy storage, helping balance supply and demand in the renewable energy grid
This multi-purpose role positions hydrogen as a critical vector for a sustainable, secure, and resilient energy system.
Strategic Hydrogen Industrial Partner
Key Milestones
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May 27, 2024: COIPA Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mauritania’s Minister of Oil, Energy, and Mines, marking the launch of the hydrogen plant development. This agreement also introduced new local legislation governing the development, construction, and operation of such facilities.
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June 2024: The MoU was presented to the technical commission of the “Mattei Plan for Africa”, requesting Mauritania’s inclusion among the plan’s target countries.
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January 9, 2025: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni officially announced Mauritania’s inclusion in the Mattei Plan’s list of target countries.
Strategic Investment
The project involves a total investment of approximately €2.5 billion, underscoring its significance as a catalyst for regional green energy initiatives. This substantial financial commitment reflects not only the scale and ambition of the undertaking but also the growing importance of sustainable infrastructure in driving economic and environmental transformation across the region.
By mobilizing such a considerable amount of resources, the project aims to accelerate the transition towards renewable energy sources, reduce carbon emissions, and foster energy independence.
Moreover, it is expected to generate thousands of jobs during both the construction and operational phases, stimulate innovation in the clean energy sector, and position the region as a leader in Europe’s green transition. Ultimately, this initiative represents a strategic investment in the future, aligning economic development with environmental responsibility.
Financial Strategy and Partnerships
- COIPA Energy is actively addressing the equity, investment, and financial structuring necessary for the project’s development. This includes leveraging involvement from Italian/European ECAs (Export Credit Agencies) to secure long-term financing guarantees.
- Presentations to industrial companies and financial groups are underway, with preliminary interest expressed. Input from equity investors is expected to refine the commercial and financial framework.
Collaboration with the Italian Government
Discussions with the Italian Government, initiated in July 2024, have resumed. Mauritania was officially included in the Mattei Plan at the beginning of 2025, strengthening institutional support for the project.
Significance of the Mattei Plan for Africa
- The Mattei Plan now encompasses 14 countries, including Mauritania, Angola, Ghana, Tanzania, and Senegal.
- The plan has a total budget of €5.5 billion, with €3 billion allocated by the Italian Climate Fund and €2.5 billion from Development Cooperation. Italy’s development bank, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, has also launched an investment fund to encourage private sector participation.
- Mauritania is expected to play a central role in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure collaboration under the plan, advancing Italy’s geopolitical strategy in the Mediterranean and Africa.
Leadership and Future Outlook
COIPA’s Green Ammonia Project was the first initiative in Mauritania presented to the steering committee of the Mattei Plan (June 2024), even prior to Mauritania’s formal inclusion as a target country. This milestone highlights COIPA’s pioneering role in developing transformative projects and underscores the strategic importance of its green energy initiatives.
Contact
Address Headquarters
Area Produttiva Papa Benedetto XVI, 88046
Lamezia Terme, Catanzaro – Italy
COIPA Italia S.p.A. is a joint-stock company incorporated under the laws of Italy. With Fiscal Code Number ( 03848870790) and REA (EAI). Number: CZ 213124.
