Quebec-based renewable energy manufacturer, Windiga Energy has signed a deal to build and operate a $50m 20MW solar Photovoltaic (PV) plant in the Mouhoun province of Burkina Faso.

Windiga Energy’s investment support agreement with the government of Burkina Faso will see it become the first independent solar energy producer in the country, given Windiga the sole power to complete a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the National Electricity Company of Burkina (SONABEL).

The project which is deemed the largest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa is scheduled to be completed by December 2015.

Windiga president and CEO, Benoit La Salle said the agreement will see the birth of the solar energy industry in Burkina Faso.

The PV plant will contribute to the region’s economic development and provide job opportunities for about 150 Burkinabé workers, he added.

Windiga Energy said it has selected Siemens Energy Smart Generation Solutions to execute the project that will meet electricity needs of the Burkinabè.

The Frontier Markets Fund Managers, African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund are expected to fund the project.