PHOTO // Moldovan Energy Ministry, UNDP strengthen strategic partnership for modernization, transformation of energy sector

The Energy Ministry and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding that strengthens the strategic partnership built over the years for the modernization and transformation of Moldova’s energy sector.

The cooperation between the Energy Ministry, UNDP and development partners has contributed to the development and implementation of key documents for the country’s energy future, including the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan, the sectoral Strategy for the long-term renovation of the national building stock 2025–2050 and the National Programme for the digital transformation of the energy sector for 2026–2030.

More initiatives have also been scaled up nationwide. The Green Home Programme formed the basis of the Energy Efficiency Fund in the Residential Sector, while the pilot project of vouchers for LED bulbs and energy-efficient household appliances evolved into the current EcoVoucher Programme, implemented through the National Centre for Sustainable Energy.

Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu emphasized that UNDP was a reliable partner that supports the authorities in delivering concrete results and solutions for citizens.

“Even if many energy sector reforms are not immediately visible in everyday life, they build the foundation for safer, more affordable and cleaner energy in the future. The green transition must be not only ambitious, but also economically viable and socially equitable,” said Dorin Junghietu.

The official stressed that, in the context of new geopolitical challenges and the volatility of global energy markets, including after recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz region, it is becoming increasingly important to reduce the consumption of imported fossil fuels, by electrifying key sectors of the economy.

At the same time, according to the minister, the green transition cannot be achieved without digitalization. Thus, smart meters, modern grids, intelligent consumption management and the integration of renewable energy sources are indispensable tools for building a modern, flexible and resilient energy system.

Also, the partnership continues to deliver tangible results for citizens. With the support of the European Union, Italy and the Global Environment Facility, through UNDP, photovoltaic systems have been installed at nine district hospitals and with the support of UNDP and Denmark, energy audits will be carried out for 10 business incubators and 25 residential buildings. Another 43 energy audits for residential buildings and medical institutions have already been completed with the support of UNDP, the European Union and Italy.

The Energy Ministry also promotes the development of renewable energy communities, based on the principle that energy security starts locally. So far, four such communities have been registered, and with the support of UNDP, Sweden, Norway and Italy this model will be scaled up nationwide.

In the field of digitalization, with financial support from Italy, provided through UNDP, 100,000 smart meters are to be set, enabling more efficient energy consumption management, reduced losses and the integration of a larger share of renewable energy into the power system.

At the same time, Moldova has become the first country in Central and Eastern Europe to launch a Sandbox-type mechanism for the energy sector, giving companies the opportunity to test innovative solutions and technologies in a safe regulatory environment. One of the priority areas is electromobility and the Energy Ministry and UNDP will continue to develop the framework needed to expand charging infrastructure and integrate electric vehicles into the energy system.