Windiga Energy, a Canadian-based energy firm, has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the National Electricity Company of Burkina Faso (SONABEL) for the construction and operation of a 20 MW photovoltaic plant located in the province of Mouhoun, Burkina Faso.
Conclusion of the PPA was the final step in the authorization process, which now gives Windiga Energy the green light to begin construction of the largest solar power plant in sub-Saharan Africa.
The project, which is the first independent power producer (IPP) in the country, is expected to produce approximately 34 gigawatt hours of clean energy annually and will be connected to SONABEL’s main power grid.
Mr. Elie Ouedraogo, Chairman of the Board, Windiga Energy Burkina Faso, stated:
"It is with enthusiasm that we celebrate this historic agreement, one that will see a Canadian company assist Burkina Faso in meeting its energy needs with renewable sources that will be connected directly to the country’s power grid."
Benoit La Salle, President and Chief Executive Officer, Windiga Energy, commented:
"Windiga Energy is committed to providing innovative accessible energy solutions to Africa, key to the continent’s economic development. We are confident that by working in concert with governments, our experience and expertise will provide vital support to African countries in their quest for energy independence."
Windiga’s focus now is to finalize funding agreements with the private sector divisions of the development banks involved in the project, as well as to commence construction of the plant.
In Mauritania, Windiga signed an agreement pertaining to the terms and conditions of a 30-year PPA with the Mauritanian Electricity Company (SOMELEC) for the construction and operation of a waste-to-energy plant.
Windiga also signed an agreement pertaining to the terms and conditions of 20-year PPA with the Electricity Company of Ghana for the construction and operation of a 20 MW solar power plant in the northern community of Tilli.