STAFF WRITER
The Renewable Energy Industry Association of Namibia (REIAoN) has appointed Paulus Mulunga as its new chairperson.
Mulunga is a long-serving member of the REIAoN leadership, having previously served as the association’s secretary before his appointment as chairperson.
Mulunga said his vision is to position REIAoN as the central private-sector coordinating force and unified voice of Namibia’s renewable energy industry.
“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,” Mulunga said.
He said he will oversee the establishment of specialised task forces, each led by a chairperson with a clear mandate, action plan and measurable deliverables.
“Priority areas will include solar PV GreenSeal and installer quality, Net Metering and Distributed Energy, Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Electric Mobility, Green Hydrogen, Suppliers and Local Manufacturing, and Government and Political Engagement,” Mulunga said.
He said the task forces will provide platforms for members to identify industry challenges, develop solutions and engage the appropriate institutions collectively.
Mulunga said strengthening REIAoN’s relationship with the Electricity Control Board (ECB) will be particularly important.
He said structured and constructive engagements with the ECB on issues including the simplification of generator licensing, BESS and electric vehicle regulation, implementation of Net Metering Rules, large mini-grid regulation and emerging electricity-market opportunities will be key to creating an enabling environment for renewable energy development.
Mulunga said initiatives such as Namibia PV GreenSeal are aimed at improving installer competence, installation quality and 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.
He said Southern Africa’s population, industrialisation and electricity requirements will continue to grow, creating both challenges and opportunities.
Mulunga said Namibia should leverage its renewable resources, geographical position and access to the Southern African Power Pool to become an increasingly important regional energy 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.
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