Media Release

UNTIL 11 SEPTEMBER 2009

ELECTRAWINDS - Belgium seeks to invests over R1 billion in Wind Project

Friday 11 September 2009 - Electrawinds Belgium today announced that it is finalising the feasibility in setting up a commercial which will be located in the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ). This investment will see Electrawinds invest R1.2 billion (Euro 110 Million) into a Coega Wind Farm Project producing green renewable energy.

This will be one of the first private initiatives of its kind to take place in . This project will result in 25 wind turbines of 2.3 MW each being built in the Coega IDZ and is anticipated to be fully operation by 2011. In addition, Electrawinds will offer educational scholarships to top local students who are interested in furthering their studies in renewable energy.

“Electrawinds and the CDC are not only leading the way in creating sustainable and environmentally friendly wind generated power but we are also ensuring the future development of the Eastern Cape with this scholarship programme,” said Khwezi Tiya, Executive Manager of Business Development at the CDC.

ELECTRAWINDS, Belgium’s foremost renewable energy producer, is committed to build the first commercial wind farm in South Africa, with the first phase commencing and having the first turbine in place by May 2010 before the 2010 World Cup with green energy powering the Nelson Mandela Stadium.

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“This project is a double celebration. It marks Electrawinds’ first turbine on African soil and COEGA’s establishment of its first commercial wind farm in one go” said Tiya.

Luc Desender Executive Director Electrawinds said “we are one of the pioneers of renewable energy in Belgium and have in the meantime built up a tremendous wealth of know-how. Our ambition now is to live that pioneering spirit in South Africa. There is a great deal of support for renewable and this offers great opportunities. Also, it is my personal dream to produce Electrawinds' first green electricity in South Africa in time for the world cup football in 2010.”

Electrawinds has appointed the CSIR to conduct the environmental assessment for the project. “The single wind turbine and wind measuring mast in phase 1 require that a Basic Assessment is undertaken, with this process having commenced in August”, says Paul Lochner, an Environmental Assessment Practitioner at CSIR. “The CSIR team includes Public Process Consultants, who are running the public participation process. Information on the Basic Assessment can be obtained from the website www.publicprocess.co.za”.

Scholarships

As part of its investment Electrawinds will also be establishing a scholarship programme for students interested in renewable energy. “We want to invest in both turbines and people. Electrawinds is committed to setting up a scholarship fund for students who are interested in renewable energy. We want to give young people in the region a chance at the right education so that, in time, they will be able to monitor our projects in South Africa,” said Jan Dewulf Business Development Director for Electrawinds.

“We will fully manage the training programme and will also be responsible for selecting the students, a task that will be carried out in consultation with the COEGA Development Corporation. “

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“These students will be referred to South African universities that offer suitable programmes and for those who wish to specialise further there is a postgraduate programme offered in Europe. Electrawinds is familiar with the history of South Africa and will pay particular attention to the disadvantaged community society when selecting students,” he concluded.

Emil Unger who represents Electrawinds in South Africa said “I am particularly proud to be responsible for Project Development in the region and part of an innovative and progressive Company that also wants to put something back into the community. The implementation of the extensive Education Program offered by ELECTRAWINDS will not only help to uplift our communities but will also ensure that South Africa has a pool from which to draw qualified renewable energy specialists, something that currently does not exist. Our first Wind Farm at COEGA will be the start of many to follow. Having this coincide with the 2010 games will have a positive effect on the Country as a whole and given that South Africa has one of the largest carbon footprints on the continent, our initiatives will go a long way to rectifying that and ensuring that we harness the endless and natural resource that we have – wind.”

ENDS

For further information contact:

Emil Unger | Electrawinds - South Africa | tel. + 27 82 465 9825

Marleen Vanhecke | Electrawinds Holding - Belgium| tel. + 32 (0)486 49 01 09

Paul Lochner | CSIR - South Africa | tel. + 27 21 888 2486

Senzeni Ndebele | Coega Development Corporation – South Africa | tel. + 27 83 661 1975

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Coega wind four

Additional Notes to Journalists:

ELECTRAWINDS Electrawinds is one of the pioneers of renewable energy in Belgium and is today the largest private player in Belgium. The green electricity company has broad experience in the development, construction and exploitation of wind farms, both in Belgium and abroad (Italy and France) and soon the first projects in Eastern Europe will start up as well (Bulgaria, Romania, etc.). Electrawinds also has several biomass power plants in Belgium (biofuel and bioelectricity) as well as a solar division, and today employs 170 people. www.electrawinds.be

COEGA The Coega Development Corporation (Pty) Ltd (CDC) is the operator of the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) outside , South Africa. Established in 1999 the CDC is wholly-owned by the South African Government. The Coega IDZ is South Africa’s premier location for new industrial investments. The CDC aims to provide a competitive investment location and a total business solution for its customers as well as ensuring sustainable economic development in the region. www.coega.com

CSIR

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a South African parastatal science council and one of the largest multi-disciplinary research organizations in Africa. The CSIR undertakes applied research and development for implementation across Africa, as well as providing consulting services in specialist areas. Over the past 25 years, CSIR has been one of the leading organisations in Africa (in particular, southern Africa) contributing to the development and implementation of environmental assessment and management methodologies. www.csir.co.za In the environmental assessment for the Electrawinds project at Coega, CSIR has teamed up with Public Process Consultants, who will conduct the public participation process. www.publicprocess.co.za