Nouakchott Solar PV Expansion Project

Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, is currently undergoing rapid energy infrastructure development. With limited national grid coverage and over half of rural households still lacking electricity access, the primary driver for solar PV deployment here is diesel displacement rather than large-scale grid-tie installations.
In December 2025, Mauritania launched its first 220MW Hybrid Energy Plant comprising 160MW Solar PV, 60MW Wind, and 370MWh Battery Storage. Developed by Istithmar Green Energy under an Independent Power Producer model, this USD 120 million project targets commissioning in Q4 2026.
The critical requirement for cable systems: 25-year reliable operation under extreme cost constraints in Sahara Desert conditions including high temperatures, intense UV radiation, salt mist, and sandstorms.
Client Core Challenges
Budget sensitivity is extreme due to unstable international aid funding cycles requiring strict CAPEX control. The supply chain remains fragile with limited local construction capability necessitating import dependency. Environmental conditions are harsh with annual average temperatures exceeding 40°C, extreme UV radiation, frequent sandstorms, and severe salt corrosion. Logistics costs are high with difficult inland transportation and frequent small-batch delivery requirements.  
Solution: Tiered Cable Architecture
For Nouakchott project characteristics, we provide integrated cable system packages rather than standalone product sales.
DC String Cables from module to combiner box use H1Z2Z2-K 1×4mm² or 6mm² single-core PV cable, DC 1500V rated, with dual-layer XLPO insulation. These feature high temperature tolerance with continuous conductor operation at 120°C and short-circuit withstand at 280°C. Desert aging resistance includes IEC 60332-1 flame retardant, ozone and UV resistance per HD 605/A1 standard. The tinned copper conductor uses Class 5 flexible stranded construction ensuring contact stability under vibration. The core value of tinning is anti-corrosion rather than mere conductivity improvement.
DC Main Cables from combiner box to inverter use H1Z2Z2-K 1×10mm² or 16mm², minimizing long-distance DC transmission losses. These maintain the same XLPO insulation system ensuring compatibility with string cables, with minimum bending radius 4D accommodating desert terrain installation.
AC Grid-Connection Cables from inverter to distribution use 0.6/1kV YJV 3×95mm² XLPE Power Cable, IEC 60502 compliant, withstanding 90°C ambient temperature.
Energy Storage Connection Harness uses H07V-K 50mm² to 95mm² flexible tinned copper battery connection cable featuring ultra-flexible bending resistance with Class 5 conductor, low-resistance design for high-current DC charge and discharge cycles, and electrolyte corrosion resistance for battery compartment sealed environments.
Medium-Voltage Grid Side from step-up station to grid uses 18/30kV or 26/35kV XLPE Medium Voltage Cable, 120mm² or 150mm², IEC 60502-2 compliant for 33kV grid connection points.

Certification and Compliance Advantages
Our PV cables hold TÜV Certificate Number B 126326 0001 Rev.00 per EN 50618 standard, UL 4703 Certification File Number E552397 for North American market access, and IEC 62930 International PV Cable Standard. Dual certification ensures simultaneous EU and North American market compliance, reducing client procurement complexity. All certificates are verifiable on TÜV Rheinland and UL official websites.
Cost Optimization Strategy Without Compromising Safety
Copper structure optimization involves precise current load calculation for Nouakchott projects avoiding over-design, recommending 4mm² replacing 6mm² for low-power strings to achieve 15 to 20 percent copper savings. Localized pre-assembly provides cable pre-cutting and pre-stripping services reducing on-site construction waste given local technician efficiency limitations. Batch shipment scheduling aligns with aid fund disbursement rhythms to reduce client inventory pressure. Standard packaging uses 500m per drum or wooden reel with HS Code 8544492100 for customs facilitation.
Why Choose Us Over Standard Cable Suppliers
Standard approaches typically offer single-region certification, standard PVC cables, bare copper or simple tinning, full-container sea freight, and cable-only supply. Our solution provides dual TÜV and UL certification adapted to international aid project compliance, dual-layer XLPO rated from minus 40°C to plus 120°C with 25-year lifespan design, high-coverage tinning layer optimized for salt-mist environment contact resistance, MW-level small orders supported with Dubai or Rotterdam pre-positioned warehouse rapid delivery, and integrated PV system DC plus AC plus Storage harness design consultation.
Project Execution Results
Historical similar project experience demonstrates cable system failure rate below 0.3 percent per year compared to industry average of 0.8 percent. On-site installation efficiency improved 35 percent through pre-stripping and connector pre-assembly. Overall system cost is 22 to 28 percent lower than European brands while maintaining equivalent safety levels.
Partnership Value and Next Steps
Mauritania's energy transition is accelerating. The Nouakchott 220MW project is only the beginning. Under the Desert to Power initiative, over 1.2GW PV capacity is projected for the next 5 years.
We offer free sample testing with H1Z2Z2-K 4mm² and 6mm² samples shipped for on-site environmental validation. Technical consultation covers cable selection, voltage drop calculation, and installation methodology. Flexible payment terms include L/C at sight or T/T installment adapted to aid project cash flow patterns.
Contact Us Today
Dongguan GERITEL Electrical Co., Ltd.
Tel/WhatsApp/WeChat: +86 135 1078 4550 / +86 136 6257 9592
Email: manager01@greaterwire.com