SNIM inaugurates two power plants in Zouérate and lays the foundation stone for a new water desalination unit

Zouérate - December 2, 2025 - His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, presided today over the inauguration of two new power plants in the city of Zouérate, in the Wilaya of Tiris Zemmour, as part of SNIM's efforts to promote sustainable development and meet the growing energy demand in the region.
The solar power plant with a capacity of 12 megawatts includes 21,840 photovoltaic panels, each with a power of 550 watts. The plant is equipped with 34 inverter units to ensure compatibility of the produced energy with the local power grid.
The thermal power plant has a capacity of 30 megawatts and operates with three 10-megawatt electric generators each, capable of running on heavy fuel oil and diesel, thus offering operational flexibility. It also includes three energy distribution stations: one of 11 kilovolts and two of 33 kilovolts.
Additionally, two parallel 33-kilovolt power lines have been installed to ensure efficient energy transfer, as well as cooling towers and two fuel storage facilities with a total capacity of 3000 cubic meters. The plant also includes administrative offices and maintenance workshops.
These two power plants aim to:

• Increase electricity production to meet the growing demand in Zouérate, F'Derick, and surrounding areas.
• Support the development of SNIM's activities and ensure the necessary energy supply for its operations.
• Cover the growing energy needs at social and economic levels.
• Increase the share of clean energy in SNIM's energy mix.

"The inauguration of these two power plants marks an important step in SNIM's commitment to sustainable development and meeting the growing energy needs in Zouérate. The share of clean energy in these two projects approaches 29%, which makes us even prouder to contribute to providing environmentally friendly and reliable energy, supporting the economic and social growth of the region, while adhering to the highest standards of efficiency and sustainability," says Mr. Ahmedou Ould Yahya, Director of Electricity and Water at SNIM.

His Excellency the President of the Republic also presided over the laying of the foundation stone for the second extension of the Oued El Gah water desalination plant, of which he had inaugurated the first extension two years ago. The new project consists of adding a new desalination unit with a capacity of 1000 cubic meters per day, funded by SNIM's charitable foundation. SNIM has recently resorted to desalinating groundwater due to the scarcity of freshwater and the variable availability of saltwater in the arid desert environment of the city of Zouérate.