The Electricity Control Board (ECB) has launched a new project to develop tailored licence conditions for small, embedded generation projects of up to 2 megawatts (MW) and pilot initiatives involving emerging technologies, including green hydrogen.
The initiative comes in response to growing investor interest in Namibia’s evolving energy sector and aims to support innovation while maintaining regulatory compliance and system stability. As part of the project, the ECB will produce clear licence conditions, guidelines and standards intended to streamline approval processes and reduce administrative bottlenecks.
Speaking at a stakeholder consultation workshop on the development of licence conditions for small, embedded generators and pilot projects, ECB chief executive officer Robert Kahimise underscored the importance of regulatory clarity in enabling sector growth.
“Your presence here reflects the growing importance of embedded generation in Namibia’s evolving electricity supply industry and our shared commitment to regulatory clarity, compliance, and sustainable sector development,” Kahimise said. Embedded generation typically refers to smaller-scale power plants connected to distribution networks, often developed by private entities, businesses or communities to meet their own energy needs or supply surplus electricity to the grid. Interest in such projects has increased as Namibia seeks to diversify its energy mix, improve security of supply and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy technologies.
Kahimise stressed that, in terms of the Electricity Act of 2007, licensing of electricity activities remains a legal requirement. “No person may generate, trade, transmit, supply, distribute, import or export electricity in Namibia unless duly authorised through a licence or exemption under the Act,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that regulatory processes must evolve in line with sector developments. The ECB’s mandate, he said, is not only to regulate but also to enable orderly growth while safeguarding system reliability, protecting consumer interests and ensuring fair market participation.
An important part of that mandate involves identifying barriers to entry within the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI). Kahimise noted that over-regulation can itself become an obstacle to investment and innovation.
“For this reason, the ECB lodged this project to investigate the categorisation of generation projects which could qualify for a simplified regulatory licensing process,” he explained.
The proposed simplified licensing framework is designed to provide a clear, consistent and transparent regulatory pathway for qualifying projects. It is expected to clarify which categories of small generators and pilot projects may benefit from a streamlined process, while maintaining accountability and compliance throughout the lifecycle of facilities.
Emerging technologies, such as green hydrogen pilot projects, are also included in the scope of the initiative. Namibia has positioned itself as a potential hub for green hydrogen production, and regulatory certainty is viewed as critical to attracting investment in demonstration and pilot-scale ventures.
Kahimise said the stakeholder workshop serves as an important platform for engagement, learning and alignment between the regulator and industry participants. The ECB is seeking practical input and constructive feedback on the proposed simplified licence conditions and application forms.
“Our objective is to ensure that all stakeholders leave this session with a clear understanding of what the objectives of a simplified generation licensing process are, what categories of generation projects will qualify for this process and how it will facilitate removing barriers and facilitate the growth of the ESI for the overall benefit of licensees, customers and the industry,” he said.
The development of tailored licence conditions marks a further step in Namibia’s efforts to modernise its regulatory framework in line with shifting energy dynamics. By balancing oversight with flexibility, the ECB aims to create an enabling environment that encourages investment, fosters innovation and strengthens the resilience of the country’s electricity sector.
-ebrandt@nepc.com.na