The Electricity Control Board has launched an online platform to improve efficiency, provide better data for planning and support the growing uptake of renewable energy.
Its Chief Executive Officer, Robert Kahimise, says distributed generation can also contribute to reducing Namibia's reliance on costly imports.
Kahimise further states that Namibia's electricity supply industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by the increasing adoption of embedded and renewable energy.
He says the new online application platform is intended to simplify and standardise the process for applicants, utilities and the regulator.
"Namibia is now moving ahead of most of our peers in creating a comprehensive digital-first regulatory environment for distributed generation. Thanks has happened in a number of countries ahead of us in the region, and we are privileged to join that cohort of countries in digitising the deployment of renewable energy in Namibia."
Kahimise says the platform will also give the regulator better visibility of distributed generation, which is becoming increasingly important for electricity planning and network management.
He says accurate and timely data will help utilities manage network upgrades, tariff stability, and system balancing, as well as maintain the safety and reliability of electricity supply.
"If our processes lag behind the pace of change in the market, we risk slowing down the very investment we want to encourage. As Namibians we are risking slowing down the very investment, the very investment we want to encourage."
The Head of Delegation of the European Union, Ana-Beatriz Martins, says the European Union is pleased to support Namibia in building institutional and technical foundations for its energy transition.
"This is particularly important as Namibia seeks to attract private investment in renewable energy. Investors in renewable energy need clear rules, predictable procedures and transparency. They also need confidence that national and regional energy providers have the tools and capacity to manage a changing market. A more efficient and transparent process can help create that confidence."
GIZ Country Director Tobias Gerster says the platform will improve transparency and provide better data for planning the country's electricity grid.
"There are so many consumers becoming producers. It's absolutely wonderful, because that helps us to reach our goals in terms of energy security, renewable energy production, and green growth, and ultimately it's good for the planet. But it also creates massive challenges for the systems and for regulators, and we must acknowledge that."