The Energy Transition in Sahrawi Republic

The Sahrawi Republic, also known as Western Sahara, is navigating a unique energy transition within the context of geopolitical uncertainty and resource-rich territories. Despite its contested status, the Sahrawi Republic holds significant potential for renewable energy development, especially through solar and wind power. With abundant sunlight and wind resources, the region has an opportunity to become a leader in clean energy generation. The ongoing energy transition also hinges on the strategic importance of its mineral resources, particularly phosphate, which plays a vital role in global agriculture and industrial sectors. The Sahrawi Republic’s energy strategy must balance its mineral wealth with environmental considerations and the need for sustainable growth. As the region seeks to assert its role in the global clean energy and strategic mineral markets, it also faces challenges related to political and territorial disputes, which add complexity to its energy and mineral policy development. The Sahrawi Republic is rich in critical minerals, most notably its vast phosphate reserves, which are essential for global agricultural markets and energy transition technologies. Alongside phosphate, the region also produces iron, gypsum, and salt, which contribute to its mineral wealth. The development of these resources could play a crucial role in the global shift towards sustainable energy, particularly in the production of fertilisers and materials for renewable energy technologies. The Sahrawi Republic’s energy mix, which includes petroleum, solar, and wind, provides a foundation for a more diversified and sustainable energy future, even as the region’s contested political status complicates international partnerships and investment.