By Special Correspondent SWAKOPMUND An investment of N$1-billion dollars to establish a wind farming electricity-generating plant at the coast could be the future of Namibia’s energy supply. But unfortunately part of this ambitious project is hanging in the balance. The investment is fully foreign financed and includes a N$300 million grant from the Dutch Government, who are backing the project with world-class windmill type technology. Aeolus Power Generation Namibia is a joint venture involving a Dutch investor and the United Africa Group (UAG), which will be participating in this revolutionary energy-producing project. It was pointed out that the country’s excellent wind belt along the coast will provide a suitable environment for the 102 high-tech advanced wind generated systems to produce an adequate and alternative source of electricity for Namibia. These free standing three-bladed wind turbines will be installed at various locations along the coast, namely LÃÆ’Æ‘Æ‘ÃÆ”šÃ‚¼deritz, Walvis Bay, Henties Bay and Oranjemund. Walvis Bay is said to be the operation centre of the power plant, which will create employment for around 300 people. A company that is going to be fully involved with the project on a contractual basis has already been identified. In a statement released by Haddis Tilahun (Executive Director UAG) and Dutch investor Leo Van Gastel (Aeolus Associated SA), it was said that the system is scheduled to be installed and operating by the end of 2008, which in any situation is the quickest possible way of bringing additional power to the country. Tilahun is positive about the project, which he said is a vital investment to the country, and one that will benefit all Namibians – with the possibility of creating electricity power at lower tariffs. Aeolus Power Generation Namibia is a Namibian registered company, which is the initiative of Dutch investor Van Gastel, who on a previous protocol visit to Namibia realized the need for an alternative energy supply. He said the excellent wind resource at the coast, which is considered to be one of the best in the world, would provide a suitable climate for Van Gastel’s innovative “Green Energy” wind farming methods. His technique, which is to draw energy based on the natural resource, is a system which he claims has proven to be highly effective in countries around the world. “SA has currently reached a level of energy requirement which will soon prevent it from supporting and exporting to neighboring countries,” said Von Gastel. ” The shortage will be severe in the coming years, which is an uncertainty that is not viable for an economic growing country such as Namibia, needing to attract investors. “SA’s electricity shortage is putting this country into a state of extreme vulnerability, and it is clear that Namibia needs to secure its own uninterrupted energy supply and find a dependable alternative.” The proposed “Green Energy” wind energy plant is an innovative state-of-the-art Dutch wind turbine method utilizing a powerful combination of advanced control features and proven wind technology. According to the statement, the ECB (Electricity Control Board) has foreseen the future energy problem that Namibia is facing, and has encouraged independent power producers to be introduced outside of the current power suppliers to the country. It has been revealed that the ministry and the ECB have favourably considered a license to be issued to Aeolus Green Energy Namibia for purposes of establishing this billion-dollar wind farming investment.