- Mauritania collaborates with CWP Global to decarbonise iron production using green hydrogen, creating a hub for pre-reduced iron ore converted into hot briquetted iron (HBI).
- CWP Global’s “Aman” project will develop 30 GW of renewable energy, producing 1.7 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually to supply Mauritania’s HBI production.
- This initiative aims to cut millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, positioning Mauritania as a critical player in the global iron market and aligning with global decarbonisation trends.
Mauritania and Australia’s CWP Global will partner to decarbonise iron production using green hydrogen. The deal involves Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM), creating a hub to produce pre-reduced iron ore. Renewable hydrogen will convert this ore into hot briquetted iron (HBI).
According to the International Ferrous Metals Association (IIMA), HBI, a high-density iron ore form, compacts at over 650°C. It resolves shipping and handling issues related to pre-reduced iron ore. As Europe advances industrial decarbonisation, green HBI will be crucial in reducing the steel industry’s carbon footprint.
CWP Global’s “Aman” project will support this effort by developing 30 GW of renewable energy for green hydrogen production. Mauritanian authorities approved this project in 2022. The project aims to produce 1.7 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually, supply HBI production in Mauritania, and support local use and export.
The partnership plans to cut millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, contributing to global sustainability goals. Mauritania ranks as the world’s 15th largest iron producer and Africa’s second, with annual production between 12.7 and 13 million tonnes. New projects could boost output to 40 million tonnes annually, enhancing Mauritania’s position in the global iron market.
CWP Global will provide green hydrogen, water, and electricity for HBI production. Green HBI plays a vital role in steel production decarbonisation, replacing traditional blast furnaces that emit around two tonnes of CO2 per tonne of reduced iron.
Mauritania aims to reduce the environmental impact of its iron industry by using green technology. Renewable energy and green hydrogen will help Mauritania enhance its competitiveness while contributing to cleaner steel production.
Mauritania’s initiative positions it as a forward-thinking player in the global iron market as industrial decarbonisation progresses. The collaboration with CWP Global underscores the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
The project aligns with broader efforts to integrate renewable energy into heavy industry, reflecting a shift towards more sustainable practices. Mauritania’s strategic move could serve as a model for other iron-producing nations aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.
Focusing on green hydrogen and renewable energy could help Mauritania become a leading green iron and steel producer. Mauritania’s dedication to environmental and economic progress stands out as the world moves towards sustainability.