I.A.M - Magazine - Page 62
Technical Scope and Implementation
This ambitious cross-border infrastructure project
encompasses the construction of over 1,300 kilometers
of high-voltage transmission lines engineered to
withstand harsh desert conditions. The project will seamlessly integrate substantial new solar generation capacity
into the regional power system, establishing the first-ever
electrical interconnection between Mauritania and Mali.
Upon completion, the interconnection will facilitate the
transfer of approximately 600 GWh of clean, affordable
electricity annually from Mauritania's abundant solar
resources to Mali's developing national grid.
The technical design incorporates: high-capacity 225 KV
transmission
infrastructure;
multiple
substations
equipped with modern SCADA systems; grid stabilization
technology to ensure power quality; and smart metering
and control systems for efficient operations.
This infrastructure development will significantly reduce
the region's dependence on expensive diesel-based
power generation, substantially lowering greenhouse gas
emissions while improving energy security across both
countries.
Generative AI for Illustration Purposes Only
This groundbreaking project represents a cornerstone of
the African Development Bank's (AfDB) Desert-to-Power
Baobab Initiative, the specialized pillar of the broader
Desert to Power program explicitly designed to accelerate
energy access in fragile and conflict-affected contexts
across the Sahel region. Through the innovative Baobab
approach, the Bank delivers tailored, conflict-sensitive
energy solutions that strategically blend grid expansion,
off-grid systems, and distributed energy resources to
reach the most vulnerable communities in challenging
operational environments.
The Sahel region faces a critical convergence of severe
energy poverty and acute climate vulnerability, creating a
complex development challenge. In response, the AfDB is
illuminating a path forward through this flagship initiative. A
centerpiece of this transformative vision is the 225 KV
Mauritania-Mali Power Interconnection and Related Solar
Power Plants Development Project, which received official
approval in 2023 and was strategically prioritized for
funding under the ADF-16 Regional Operations Envelope
(ROE).
Socioeconomic and Environmental Impact
The project will directly connect 100,000 new households
to reliable electricity—80,000 in Mauritania and 20,000 in
Mali—providing a critical boost to energy access, reliability, and affordability for communities that have historically
lacked basic energy services. Beyond household connections, the initiative strengthens overall system stability,
creates a foundation for expanded cross-border electricity trade, and enhances infrastructure resilience in two of
Africa's most fragile states.
Some of its key benefits include: reduced electricity costs
for consumers and businesses creation of approximately
2,500 direct jobs during construction; enhanced economic opportunities in previously underserved communities;
improved delivery of essential services including healthcare and education; and reduced carbon emissions
estimated at 200,000 tons CO equivalent annually.
Vision and Commitment
This landmark project transcends conventional infrastructure development—it represents a commitment to equity,
climate resilience, and regional solidarity in action. The
initiative exemplifies the African Development Bank's
strategic focus on investing for lasting impact, powering
inclusive economic growth, and fostering deeper integration across the Sahel region.
By leveraging renewable energy resources to address
persistent energy poverty, the Mauritania-Mali Interconnection demonstrates how thoughtful infrastructure
investment can simultaneously address climate change,
regional stability, and human development priorities in
even the most challenging contexts
72
5
