More sustainable energy solutions are becoming available to entrepreneurs in the Republic of Moldova. State Secretary Carolina Novac participated today in a training event dedicated to the development of renewable energy communities, organized by the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA) as part of the European REC4SMEs project (Supporting SMEs through Renewable Energy Communities), funded by the European Union under the Single Market Programme.

The event brought together representatives of central and local public authorities, international energy experts, entrepreneurs, support organizations, and development partners involved in promoting energy efficiency and the green transition in the Republic of Moldova.

State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy Carolina Novac emphasized the impact of energy communities on energy security and local energy independence:

“Renewable Energy Communities are an important instrument for strengthening energy security and accelerating the green transition. These initiatives enable the local production and consumption of renewable energy, helping reduce costs and increase energy independence for communities and businesses,” Carolina Novac said.

Under the project’s call, three pilot communities will be selected, each receiving specialized support and vouchers worth up to EUR 20,000 to develop the technical, legal, and organizational solutions required to establish energy communities.

Participants also discussed the call launched under the project to identify pilot renewable energy community initiatives targeting SMEs in the agri-food and retail sectors. The training sessions also covered the legislative framework, technical solutions, and operational models required for the development and implementation of renewable energy communities.

State Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization Natalia Selevestru highlighted the strategic role of SMEs in the transition towards a sustainable economy:

“The green transition of the economy cannot take place without the active involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises. Energy communities offer entrepreneurs an opportunity to cooperate, improve energy efficiency, and contribute to the development of a modern, sustainable economic model aligned with European objectives.”

ODA Director Vadim Codreanu underscored the importance of developing energy communities for strengthening SME competitiveness and reducing their energy vulnerability:

“Renewable energy communities provide a practical solution that enables SMEs to reduce their energy costs, become more resilient, and strengthen their competitiveness. Through the REC4SMEs project, we aim to provide entrepreneurs with concrete tools, expertise, and functional models that can accelerate the transition to green energy and sustainable development.”

The event also presented the objectives and results of the REC4SMEs project, as well as experiences and best practices from the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Slovenia, and Italy in implementing energy communities.

The REC4SMEs project is implemented by an international consortium of partners from the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Slovenia, and Italy, coordinated by ODA. It aims to develop 12 renewable energy communities internationally, including three in the Republic of Moldova.

The project has a total budget of EUR 938,000, of which ODA will manage EUR 246,000.