The first renewable energy communities in the Republic of Moldova are set to become Logănești village in Hîncești district, Cociulia village in Cantemir district, and two residential buildings in Chișinău. These communities will benefit from technical and financial support for the procurement of the necessary equipment, under the “Resilient communities through women empowerment” project, implemented by UNDP with financial support from Sweden and Norway. The creation of energy communities represents an important step in Moldova’s transition towards clean and decentralized energy and, at the same time, addresses the challenges related to high energy costs and dependence on external sources.

The selection of the energy communities was made with support of three non-governmental organizations, EcoVisio, ACSA and Green City Lab Moldova, which were contracted by UNDP Moldova to support the process. They conducted information campaigns in several localities to promote the benefits of an energy community and to explain the stages of its creation and operationalization. The selected communities demonstrated both increased interest and diversity among potential members, including local businesses, public institutions, and energy-vulnerable households, as well as the relevant technical capacity.

In Logănești village, the high level of interest among residents and the diversity of stakeholders involved - households, public institutions, local enterprises - provide a solid foundation for establishing the energy community.

Cociulia village, in Cantemir district, stood out for its focus on households vulnerable from an energy perspective, the inclusion of the wastewater treatment plant and the community center, as well as the community’s willingness to participate in co-financing. The initiative will allow for a significant reduction in local families’ energy expenses. As part of the project, the technical documentation will be developed and a photovoltaic plant tailored to the community’s needs will be installed.

Two residential buildings Chișinău have also been selected to test the model of energy communities in an urban environment. The project will demonstrate how residents, through association and their own contributions, can reduce monthly electricity costs and become active agents in the energy transition. The installed capacity will be sized according to consumers’ needs and the possibilities for connection to the capital’s electricity grid.

Going forward, these communities will be guided and supported from a technical and legal standpoint in the process of formally establishing the energy communities, as well as co-financing for the procurement of the necessary equipment. The process is carried out in accordance with national regulations and European standards in the field.

The first green energy communities in the Republic of Moldova are supported by UNDP, Sweden and Norway, in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, the Public Services Agency and the National Energy Regulatory Agency.