The National Center for Sustainable Energy (CNED) has launched the first financial support packages for energy-vulnerable households in rural areas. This year, 180 individual homes will benefit from energy rehabilitation works as part of a pilot project financed by the European Union. The first 13 contracts were signed today with homeowners from the Călărași, Strășeni, and Telenești districts.

"The Republic of Moldova has an energy intensity twice as high as the European Union. This means higher energy bills for the population and a less competitive economy. By launching the Residential Energy Efficiency Fund, we aim to invest at least 1.4 billion MDL in energy efficiency measures over the coming years to lower household energy costs while maintaining thermal comfort. At the same time, these investments will create new jobs and economic opportunities," said Carolina Novac, State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy.

"For the first time, people in Moldova have direct access to government-funded energy efficiency programs. These initiatives address the urgent needs of vulnerable households and support national objectives for a more sustainable future, with significant savings on energy bills. Moving forward, CNED will organize tenders for the necessary renovation works," stated Ion Muntean, Director of CNED.

The program is part of a broader investment effort in energy efficiency through the "Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in the Republic of Moldova" (E4M) project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the European Union, and Norway and implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). The E4M project aims to accelerate Moldova's energy transition, with a specific goal of reducing dependence on energy imports and creating financial benefits for Moldovan households through enhanced energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.

For all 180 households included in the pilot project, the European Union has allocated €1 million.

"These homes will not only consume less energy but will also provide comfort and dignity to the families living in them. The energy crisis of the past two years has clearly demonstrated how crucial it is to use energy responsibly and ensure that all Moldovan citizens take part in this effort. The EU is supporting the Moldovan people in every way possible, including by making energy efficiency more accessible to every home. This is how a fair green transition happens—by ensuring that no one is left behind," said Jānis Mažeiks, EU Ambassador to Moldova.

"The energy savings from renovating individual rural homes will reduce household heating expenses by at least 40% and up to 60%. This impact is most strongly felt during winter but will provide financial relief for beneficiaries throughout the year and for decades to come. Additionally, improved thermal comfort—through warmer homes without cold walls—will enhance living conditions and quality of life," emphasized Verena Zell, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Moldova.

Between October 2024 and January 2025, as part of the support program, 58 energy audits were conducted for rural households. These audits identified energy losses in each home and established a set of clear measures to improve energy efficiency. With expert support, beneficiaries adapted the audit recommendations to their specific needs, and renovation work is set to begin this spring.

"This project brings real change where it is most needed—helping families live in warmer homes with lower energy costs. More than that, it represents a step toward a more sustainable and equitable energy future for Moldova, based on practical solutions and shared responsibility," stated Claudia Hermes, Country Director of GIZ Moldova.

The signing of the first contracts marks a crucial step in Moldova’s efforts to enhance energy efficiency and support vulnerable communities. With this financial assistance, beneficiaries will be able to implement effective solutions to improve their homes' energy performance. Measures include the installation of biomass heating systems, thermal insulation for exterior walls, roofs, and basements, as well as the modernization or installation of domestic water heating systems.

The Residential Energy Efficiency Fund (FEERM) is a national program with a budget of 1.4 billion MDL, aimed at financing energy rehabilitation projects for homes across Moldova. The program supports both multi-story apartment buildings and individual households, focusing on improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in the energy sector.

The National Center for Sustainable Energy (CNED) is a public institution under the Ministry of Energy, tasked with coordinating and organizing activities to ensure the implementation of state policies in its assigned areas. CNED plays a key role in attracting and managing financial resources for funding and promoting projects and programs that contribute to environmental sustainability, climate change mitigation, and enhanced energy security in Moldova.