Windiga Energy Gets Green Light for the Construction of a 20-MW Solar Power Plant in Burkina Faso
Signs Agreements with the National Power Utilities of Mauritania and Ghana
MONTREAL, Oct. 22, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Windiga Energy, a Canadian-based independent renewable energy power producer, today announced the signature of a power purchase agreement ("PPA") with the National Electricity Company of Burkina Faso (SONABEL) for the construction and operation of a 20-megawatt photovoltaic plant located in Zina, in the province of Mouhoun. 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 plant is expected to produce approximately 34 gigawatt hours of clean energy annually and will be connected to SONABEL's main power grid.
Upon completing the final phase of the approval process with SONABEL, Mr. Elie Ouedraogo, Chairman of the Board, Windiga Energy Burkina Faso, declared, "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." Mr. Ouedraogo also highlighted the fact that Windiga will be the first independent power producer in the country.
"Windiga Energy is committed to providing innovative accessible energy solutions to Africa, key to the continent's economic development," said Benoit La Salle, President and Chief Executive Officer, Windiga Energy. "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. A similar agreement pertaining to the terms and conditions of a waste supply contract was also signed with the Urban Community of Nouakchott. These agreements define the terms of the purchase of electricity and the supply of waste, as well as further the development of the project to build a 15-megawatt waste-to-energy power plant in the city of Nouakchott.
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-megawatt solar power plant in the northern community of Tilli.
About Windiga Energy
Founded in 2010, Windiga Energy Inc. is Canadian-based independent energy producer focused mainly on developing renewable energy facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Company is co-owned by private investors as well as Dundee Energy Limited (TSX: DEN), an investment company in the energy sector that creates long-term value through the development and acquisition of energy projects. Windiga Energy's founding partners have over 25 years of experience in the development and realization of major mining, construction and infrastructure projects in Africa.
SOURCE: Windiga Energy Inc.
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