The Renewable Energy Industry Association of Namibia (REIAoN) is pushing for regulatory changes covering generator licensing, battery storage, electric vehicles and net metering as it seeks to accelerate renewable energy development in the country.
Newly appointed REIAoN Chairperson Paulus Mulunga said closer engagement with the Electricity Control Board (ECB) will be a priority as the industry seeks to address regulatory and technical issues affecting investment and deployment.
Mulunga said discussions with the regulator would focus on simplifying generator licensing, developing regulation for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and electric vehicles, implementing Net Metering Rules and addressing the regulation of large mini-grids.
“Strengthening the Association’s relationship with the Electricity Control Board will be particularly important,” Mulunga said, adding that structured engagement on regulatory issues would be key to creating an enabling environment for renewable energy development.
The push comes as Namibia expands investment in renewable generation while emerging technologies such as battery storage, electric mobility and distributed generation place new demands on the country’s regulatory framework.
Mulunga, who previously served as Secretary of REIAoN, said the association intends to shift from primarily advocating for industry interests towards coordinating practical interventions.
“A central theme of my tenure will be moving from advocacy towards coordinated action. REIAoN has a diverse membership with significant technical, commercial and institutional expertise, and we need to harness that knowledge more effectively,” he said.
REIAoN plans to establish specialised task forces covering net metering and distributed energy, IPPs, electric mobility, green hydrogen, solar PV standards, local manufacturing and engagement with government.
Each task force will operate under a defined mandate and action plan, with measurable deliverables.
The association is also targeting quality concerns in the solar installation market through the Namibia PV GreenSeal initiative, which seeks to improve installer competence and installation standards.
Mulunga said REIAoN wants banks, insurers, training institutions, utilities and regulators involved in efforts to link recognised technical standards with improved access to finance and greater consumer confidence.
“I would like REIAoN to bring commercial banks, insurers, training institutions, utilities, regulators and industry together so that recognised technical competence can ultimately translate into greater consumer confidence, improved access to finance and stronger opportunities for qualified local installers,” he said.
REIAoN also plans to increase its involvement in regional electricity market discussions, including cross-border power trading, transmission and grid expansion.
Mulunga said Namibia’s renewable energy resources and access to the Southern African Power Pool provide an opportunity for the country to become a more significant regional electricity player.
“REIAoN should therefore contribute to discussions around regional power trading, transmission and grid expansion, cross-border electricity markets and how Namibia can maximise periods of abundant renewable generation while benefiting from competitive regional electricity when appropriate,” he said.
