EU4Energy: What is it and how does it work in Moldova?

What is EU4Energy?

The EU4Energy Initiative covers all support that the European Union is offering in the energy field to the six countries of the Eastern Partnership – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine.

How does the Initiative work?

The EU is financing energy projects and programmes that help to improve energy efficiency and the use of renewables, reform energy markets, as well as improve energy infrastructure and connectivity between countries.

A map of all EU-funded projects in Moldova provides an overview of the current status in the country.

How do citizens benefit?

There are several positive, tangible results for the Republic of Moldova. Some 34 towns and cities across the country are active members of the EU-supported network Covenant of Mayors East, which covers over 50% of the population. The EU, thanks to the active involvement of the EU Delegation, is assisting local public authorities in achieving the goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and adopting a joint approach to addressing mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

The EU Energy and Biomass project proved to be a success story. This project successfully supported the creation of a local biomass market and fostered increased use of renewables with more than 200,000 Moldovans benefitting directly from secure and locally produced renewable energy. In addition, 70 new SMEs were supported with over 200 jobs created. As a result, the project dramatically boosted the share of renewable energy in the total energy mix of the country.

In addition, several demonstration projects are ongoing under the Covenant of Mayors banner across Moldova. For example, the towns of Ocnița and Cantemir installed modern street lighting systems to reduce administrative costs, improve comfort for citizens, and reduce emissions, with Călărași and others also following suit.

Meanwhile, other initiatives included the EU funded residential energy efficiency financing facility that helped over 2,000 families increase energy efficiency at home, whilst a winery in Gagauzia now saves over 60% on energy bills after installing solar panels with EU help.

How does Moldova benefit?

The EU4Energy Programme aims to improve the quality of energy data and statistics, shape regional policy-making discussions, strengthen legislative and regulatory frameworks and improve access to information in the Eastern partner countries.

On the legislative side, the Energy Community Secretariat, as one of implementing partners of the programme, is working closely with Moldova on implementing reforms in the energy sector. This included support in drafting and further adoption of a new Law on Energy Efficiency transposing the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive into national law, and a number of secondary legal acts needed for implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Support was also provided to transpose the Third Energy Package in electricity through the development of wholesale electricity market rules, and in natural gas to diversify gas sources and open up the market to competition via the development of network codes.

What opportunities are there?

Programmes such as the Covenant of Mayors East, and the Covenant of Mayors – Demonstration Projects offer opportunities for communities to ensure more reliable energy supply, as well as reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Additionally, you can check out the EU4Business portal to see what opportunities exist to make a business energy efficient and eco-friendly.

Moreover, if you are interested in cutting-edge research and innovation funding, you can see the opportunities offered under the Horizon 2020 programme.

There are also EU-supported programmes that provide funding for businesses and individuals according to specific eligibility criteria and conditions. You can refer to web site of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova or you can subscribe to the news alerts of the EU4Energy project and receive updates of any opportunities.