UNDP Moldova, as part of the "Resilient Communities through Empowering Women" project, announces the launch of a grant competition to pilot the first renewable energy communities in the Republic of Moldova. This competition is held in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and aims to support local initiatives that improve energy governance and resilience at the local level by strengthening the capacities of actors in the field.

Through this grant call, UNDP Moldova intends to select two civil society organizations that will be tasked with piloting the implementation of the renewable energy community concept. These organizations will each receive a USD 100,000 grant to mobilize potential members interested in creating an energy community and provide technical assistance throughout the entire process of formation, registration, and equipping with necessary equipment. The project implementation period is 18 months.

The goal of this grant program is to train non-governmental organizations with experience in the energy sector to pilot the concept of energy communities. Activities will focus on:

• Developing the internal capacities of the selected NGOs to support the creation and operationalization of renewable energy communities;
• Organizing awareness campaigns and mobilizing local actors interested in participating in the creation of these communities;
• Providing technical support and mentoring for registration and equipping with necessary equipment (photovoltaic systems, smart meters, energy storage batteries, etc.).

According to recent amendments to the Renewable Energy Law No. 10/2162, “renewable energy communities” are autonomous entities controlled by associates or members located near renewable energy projects, aiming to offer economic, social, and environmental benefits to the community. These can include individuals, homeowner associations, non-profit organizations, small and medium enterprises, or local authorities.

The deadline for submitting proposals is February 5. To review the eligibility criteria and learn more details about the competition, please visit here.