The Renewable Energy Industry Association of Namibia (REIAoN) has announced the appointment of Paulus Mulunga as the Association’s new Chairperson. Mulunga is a long serving member of the REIAoN leadership having served as Secretary of the Association prior to his ascension to Chairperson.
Speaking on his vision for the Association, Mulunga said he aims to help 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 says.
He says 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. These Task Forces are platforms through which members identify industry challenges, develop solutions and engage the appropriate institutions collectively,” says Mulunga.
He further states that strengthening the Association’s relationship with the Electricity Control Board (ECB) will be particularly important, highlighting that structured and constructive engagements with the ECB on issues including 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.
“Initiatives such as the 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,” says the incoming Chairperson.
Mulunga’s vision also extends beyond Namibia’s borders.
He believes that Southern Africa’s population, industrialisation and electricity requirements will continue to grow, creating both challenges and opportunities. Namibia should leverage its exceptional 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,” says Mulunga.