Scenario-Based Evaluation of Microgrid Options for Cost-Effective and Sustainable Electrification in Remote Mauritanian Communities

This report presents the techno-economic and environmental modeling of three microgrid design scenarios for the remote community of Elhassi Twil in southeastern Mauritania. The aim is to assess the viability and benefits of hybridizing first-generation diesel-based microgrids with solar and battery technologies. The analysis compares: (1) a diesel-only baseline (Scenario 1), (2) a diesel + solar hybrid (Scenario 2), and (3) a diesel + solar + battery storage configuration (Scenario 3). Results indicate that incorporating solar PV significantly reduces fuel costs and emissions. Adding battery storage further enhances performance by minimizing generator runtime and maximizing solar utilization, thus improving sustainability.