The Mauritanian government has published a report on the 2026 fires at two power plants in Nouakchott, the country's capital. The report, conducted by an independent committee, details the causes and consequences of the fires that occurred on August 21 and 22, 2026. The fires affected the Eastern and Northern conversion stations, leading to widespread power outages that lasted several days.
The report estimates the economic losses from the outages at approximately 0.07% of the country's third-quarter GDP for 2026, with direct costs exceeding 220 million ouguiyas. The committee, established by the government, comprised representatives from various ministries, the national electricity company, and international experts. Their investigation included on-site visits, interviews, and analysis of technical reports and contracts.
The committee's findings suggest a direct link between the fires and new 33-kilovolt connections installed at the power plants. These connections, which began operating on August 15 and 20, 2026, are believed to have sparked the fires. However, despite extensive testing and analysis, the exact technical cause of the electrical spark remains unclear.
The report highlights several factors that may have contributed to the fires, including inadequate installation, maintenance, and safety procedures. The committee also identified shortcomings in the emergency response and fire prevention systems, which were deemed insufficient for the strategic importance of the affected facilities.
The fires were part of a broader context of significant investments in Mauritania's electricity sector. In November 2024, the government allocated 1.77 billion ouguiyas to upgrade the national electricity network, including the construction of new power plants and transmission lines. The report's recommendations aim to prevent similar incidents in the future and improve the overall safety and efficiency of the country's electricity infrastructure.
The committee's report assigns responsibility for the fires to various parties, including the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the national electricity company, and contractors involved in the installation of the new connections. The government has promised to implement the report's recommendations and take measures to enhance safety and prevent future incidents.
The publication of the report is seen as a step towards transparency and accountability in addressing the challenges facing Mauritania's electricity sector. The government has emphasized its commitment to improving the reliability and efficiency of the national grid, which is essential for the country's economic development and growth.
Key points
- The report identifies multiple factors contributing to the 2026 power plant fires in Mauritania, including inadequate installation, maintenance, and safety procedures.
