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.

Project Overview

COIPA Energy has initiated and developed a groundbreaking project to establish a green hydrogen and ammonia production plant in Mauritania. This initiative reflects a strategic approach to fostering sustainable energy solutions in the region. Below is a summary of the project’s current status and future outlook, with further updates to follow as progress continues.

Phase 1: Hydrogen Production

Hydrogen can be produced through methods like electrolysis (using renewable energy), steam methane reforming, and biomass gasification. Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis, is key for reducing emissions.

Phase 2: Hydrogen Storage

Hydrogen requires specialized storage, like high-pressure or cryogenic tanks. It can be transported via pipelines, trucks, or ships. Efficient infrastructure is needed for widespread use.

Phase 3: Hydrogen Utilization

Hydrogen is used in fuel cells for electric vehicles and industrial applications. It also stores renewable energy, balancing supply and demand in the energy sector.

Key Milestones

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.
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.
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.

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Current Phase: Feasibility Study

Several companies have been engaged for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) as well as supply contracts for different sections of the plant. These companies are currently working on the Pre-FEED (Pre-Front End Engineering Design) phase. The comprehensive feasibility study, essential for completing Phase 1 of the MoU, includes:

Technical Assessments

Analysis of wind and solar resources at the project site.
Evaluation of land area requirements for renewable energy and
production facilities.
Estimation of capacities for renewable energy plants, electrolyzers,
and chemical processing systems.
Calculation of water requirements for the project.
Study of infrastructure, storage, and logistics needs for product distribution.

Impact Studies

Preliminary environmental impact study.
Preliminary socio-economic impact study.

Market and Regulatory Framework

Assessment of regulations and investment regimes.
High-level market study on green hydrogen and related chemical compounds, identifying potential buyers.
Verification of international regulatory and policy frameworks.

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.