The Renewable Energy Industry Association of Namibia (REIAoN) has appointed Paulus Mulunga as its new Chairperson, elevating the long-serving leadership member from his previous role as Secretary.
Mulunga takes over the leadership of the renewable energy industry body with a mandate to strengthen private-sector coordination and position REIAoN as a unified voice for companies and organisations operating across Namibia’s renewable energy sector.
“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.
Under his leadership, REIAoN plans to establish specialised task forces, each with a chairperson, defined mandate, action plan and measurable deliverables.
The task forces will focus on solar PV GreenSeal and installer quality, net metering and distributed energy, Independent Power Producers (IPPs), electric mobility, green hydrogen, suppliers and local manufacturing, as well as government and political engagement.
“These Task Forces are platforms through which members identify industry challenges, develop solutions and engage the appropriate institutions collectively,” Mulunga said.
Mulunga has also identified closer engagement with the Electricity Control Board (ECB) as a priority during his tenure.
The association plans to engage the regulator on simplifying generator licensing, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), electric vehicle regulation, implementation of net metering rules, large mini-grid regulation and emerging electricity market opportunities.
Mulunga said REIAoN would also seek to bring commercial banks, insurers, training institutions, utilities and regulators together to improve technical standards and strengthen opportunities for qualified local renewable energy installers.
His agenda also includes expanding REIAoN’s involvement in regional energy discussions as Namibia seeks to leverage its renewable energy resources and participation in the Southern African Power Pool.
“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,” Mulunga said.
REIAoN was established in May 2008 and represents participants across Namibia’s renewable energy industry, including IPPs, renewable energy companies, equipment distributors, engineering and design consultants, research and academic institutions, and financial sector entities involved in clean energy development.
