The State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Carolina Novac, recently participated in a workshop dedicated to Energy Communities in the Republic of Moldova with the title “Capacity Development in the Field of Technical Factors and Necessary Requirements” organized by the German Energy Agency (dena).

 

The event took place in the context of promoting and developing renewable energy initiatives at the local level, with the aim of supporting the energy transition and actively involving energy communities in the rational production and consumption of energy.

 

At the beginning of the event, the State Secretary Carolina Novac thanked the organizers for the support provided in order to strengthen energy communities.

 

“Energy communities represent a crucial element of the transition to green energy, offering practical integrated solutions to reduce energy vulnerabilities, reduce costs borne by consumers and actively involve citizens in the process of energy production and consumption,” emphasized Carolina Novac.

 

The Secretary of State also spoke about the achievements of the Ministry of Energy in terms of developing energy communities and promoting renewable energy sources. Thus, the major achievements in this area relate to the amendments to the legislation to introduce a clear legal framework for the establishment of energy communities. In turn, the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) has developed a regulation to be adopted by the end of the year, which establishes clear rules and procedures for the management of these communities.

 

“With the support of UNDP and USAID, three pilot projects will be implemented by the end of 2027 that aim to demonstrate the economic, social and technical viability of renewable energy communities, providing applicable models for implementation at the national level,” added Carolina Novac.

 

In the long term, the Ministry of Energy prioritizes improving the existing legislative framework to eliminate barriers to the development of community energy projects and to streamline administrative procedures. At the same time, according to Caroline Novac, the Government reaffirms its commitment to facilitate access to dedicated resources, training programs and support mechanisms, encouraging the active participation of all actors involved in strengthening energy communities.

 

“We are on the right track to build a more sustainable, accessible and efficient energy system for all citizens of the Republic of Moldova”, noted Carolina Novac.

 

The workshop dedicated to Energy Communities was attended by representatives of local authorities from Volintiri, Nisporeni, Tomai, Filipeni, Zubrești, Puțintei, Strașeni, Mândrești, as well as representatives of key institutions in the national energy sector, the Ministry of Energy, the National Center for Sustainable Energy (CNED), the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE), energy distribution system operators and international development partners.

 

Representatives of development partners such as UNDP, USAID, GIZ and various NGOs, which support renewable energy projects and the development of energy communities, also attended the event.