Comparing Green Hydrogen Economies in Mauritania and Saudi Arabia

Comparative Case-Study & Transdisciplinary Workshop

Mauritania is currently emerging as one of the most promising green hydrogen hubs in Africa. The Atlantic-cost country has an ideal combination of less populated desert areas, strong coastal wind resources and a proximity to European energy markets that makes it highly attractive for green hydrogen production and hydrogen or ammonia exports. The government is actively promoting foreign investment. As in 2024, the parliament adopted a Green Hydrogen Code that establishes a regulatory framework and tax incentives for large-scale projects. Under this framework, Germany was the first country starting to plan investments into energy facilities in Mauritania. So far, Mauritanian economy is barely diversified and remains mainly on mining, fisheries, and small-scale agriculture. The green energy infrastructure still needs to be built and the policies need to be implemented.

In contrast, located on the Arabian Peninsula, is the rich oil state of Saudi Arabia. The desert-country is an experienced energy superpower, currently transitioning from oil to a broader energy portfolio including green hydrogen as an opportunity to even stronger diversify its economy. In terms of transportation, Saudi Arabia is further away from European energy markets and shipping depends on maritime routes that can be affected by geopolitical instability. Additionally, the country must remain competitive in terms of production costs and logistics.

Germany’s evolving energy partnerships

The project partner Dr. Mujtaba Isani and Dr. Mohamed Vall, together with their research teams in Mauritania and Saudi Arabia, are conducting a comparative study to examine these two countries, which differ significantly in their economic conditions. Through this research, they aim to provide a deeper understanding of each country’s potential in the green hydrogen economy and of Germany’s evolving energy partnerships in these regions. 

In an interdisciplinary endeavour social scientists and physicians teamed up to develop a comprehensive perspective on green hydrogen potentials and risks in both regions. Next to renewable energy physics that seek efficient and cost-effectively solutions for the production, storage, and transportation of green hydrogen, the social science raises important policy questions. How to manage foreign investments to ensure inclusive economic benefits and a local value creation? How to develop technical education and academic capacities in the countries itself for future job creation? How to navigate environmental challenges and raise awareness together with the community? How to ensure tangible socioeconomic benefits for the Mauritanian population and a conflic-sensitive energy transitin for all?

In many projected scenarios, Arab countries are expected to become net exporters and Germany alongside other European countries become a net importer of green hydrogen, creating economic potential, new international dynamics and shifts in the global energy landscape.

Mujtaba Isani 

Saudi Arabia’s hydrogen ambitions: Between vision and economic reality

In Saudi Arabia, hydrogen has emerged as a strategic asset in the national dialogue on energy transition, offering a potential hedge against the anticipated long-term decline of fossil fuel markets. In 2021, the Kingdom made a bold declaration of its intent to become the world's largest hydrogen producer, framing this ambition as a cornerstone of its broader efforts to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce economic dependence on oil. Yet, despite this high-level commitment, progress on the ground has been tempered by emerging economic headwinds that have stalled key projects. Notably, the much-publicized green hydrogen initiative in NEOM, designed to harness solar energy for export, has encountered delays, while parallel blue hydrogen developments have similarly failed to gain significant momentum. These developments have prompted a critical reconsideration among stakeholders regarding the immediacy and necessity of such diversification. Given that Saudi Arabia remains one of the world's lowest-cost oil producers, questions are being raised about whether a large-scale pivot to green hydrogen is economically urgent at this stage.

Strengthening German–Mauritanian research collaboration

In a first workshop at the University of Nouakchott, the project partners welcomed more than 40 researchers and stakeholders to discuss their first findings and develop policy recommendations. The workshop provided a comparative analysis of green hydrogen production feasibility in Saudi Arabia and Mauritania, examining the distinct opportunities and challenges facing each nation. Mr. Reinhard Uhlig, a representative from the German embassy in Nouakchott, expressed particular enthusiasm that the event was hosted at the University of Nouakchott, noting this marked the first time the university's premises had been used for a dedicated discussion on green hydrogen. He pointed out that research collaboration between German institutions and the University of Nouakchott is urgently needed and could greatly enhance knowledge sharing and skill development in this emerging area.

AGYA alumna, Dr. Irene Weipert-Fenner, highlighted in her presentation potential friction points caused by enthusiastic green hydrogen strategies and the need to decarbonize European economies. She emphasized the importance of fostering a reflective discourse in Europe on the challenges that may arise in other regions of the world and on how to promote an energy transition that is sensitive to local contexts.

To support the further development of a green hydrogen economy in Mauritania and to foster a broader regional perspective, this project aims to strengthen research collaboration and advance the formulation of evidence-based policy recommendations.

Mohamed Vall

Mujtaba Isani and Mohamed Vall extend their gratitude to the project assistants, Mr. Sidi Sidi Ahmed and Mr. Abdul Majeed, who play a crucial role in developing the study design as well as data collection and analysis.