The Republic of Moldova has officially registered its first renewable energy community, which will operate in the village of Cociulia, Cantemir District. The decision was approved by the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) on 10 February, marking a new stage in the development of community energy in Moldova and providing a concrete example of local engagement in the transition to renewable energy sources.

For the Cociulia community, the project plans to install a photovoltaic power plant with a capacity of up to 50 kW, tailored to local needs. Estimated annual savings for community members could reach up to 350,000 MDL. At this stage, the community will receive financial support of USD 50,000 through UNDP Moldova for preparing technical documentation and installing the photovoltaic system.

The community brings together rural households, public institutions, small and medium enterprises, local associations, and vulnerable energy consumers, who will collaborate to produce and use renewable energy for the collective benefit of the locality. Members will be able to generate, consume, store, and share renewable electricity among themselves, reducing energy costs, cutting carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable local development.

The model implemented in Cociulia emphasizes green energy consumption, cost optimization, and integration of public-interest objectives such as the wastewater treatment plant and community center. The community was established and is guided with the support of UNDP Moldova in partnership with EcoVisio, a non-governmental organization that conducted local awareness activities on the benefits and steps for creating energy communities.

Participation in an energy community is voluntary and open. Eligible members include individuals, condominium owner associations, non-profit organizations, small and medium enterprises, administrative-territorial units (villages, communes, and towns) represented by executive authorities, as well as vulnerable energy consumers.

The first green energy communities in Moldova are supported by UNDP under the project “Resilient Communities through Women’s Empowerment”, with financial support from Sweden and Norway, in partnership with the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Moldova, the Public Services Agency, and the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE).

Under the same project, three additional pilot communities are expected to be registered, contributing to the expansion of this innovative model for renewable energy production and use in Republic of Moldova.