September began with a historic milestone for Namibia’s electricity sector, the launch of the Embedded Generation Online Application Platform in Windhoek by the Electricity Control Board (ECB). With this achievement, Namibia is recognised as the third African country after Eswatini and South Africa to digitise embedded distribution processes.
Multiple partners contributed to the platform´s creation, a result of the Distributed Generation Policy Catalyst Window, implemented through Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA) and GET.transform with the support of the European Delegation to Namibia. Furthermore, work by the African Power Utility Association (APUA), NamPower and Regional Electricity Distributor staff on building regulations, technical standards and institutional capacity over the past two years made the platform possible.
Instead of the previous, paper-based application process spread across various offices, now applicants with rooftop solar or small-scale renewable energy projects can access a single, trusted digital portal to submit applications, view requirements and track application progress in real time. Regulators can now monitor how much EG they have on their network and this can inform grid expansion and design planning while utilities will now be able to evaluate and approve applications more efficiently and consistently. By featuring GIS-based visualisation of ongoing projects, the portal enhances transparency, planning and decision-making to support integration of distributed generation into the national grid, allowing embedded generation systems visibility at the distribution level.
Development of the platform required two years of collaborative work. The ECB formally committed to hosting it in November 2024 following various inception meeting and trainings meant to give a clear understanding of the benefits that come with the EG online platform. The Steering Committee and local distributors gathered for the first time in February 2025 to then discuss the simplified connection criteria and technical specifications. Earlier this year, the platform was piloted through a capacity-building series for staff from key partner stakeholders, such as CENORED, NORED, ErongoRed, the Electricity Control Board, the City of Windhoek, and NamPower to align stakeholders in the functioning and use of the platform.
The portal will continue to be refined by the ECB to strengthen its performance and the regulatory frameworks behind it to benefit both applicants and utilities. All developers, utilities and consumers are highly encouraged to use the platform for their embedded generation applications.
Namibia’s energy transition is keeping pace with a rapidly evolving sector witnessing a steady increase in embedded and renewable generation across towns, cities and rural areas. This practical tool promises an inclusive future for embedded generation.
