The European Union (EU) has allocated 12.3 million lei to build five photovoltaic parks in Moldova under the EU4Moldova: Local Communities Programme, co-financed by the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ Moldova.
Moldova Solar Parks to Generate 1,120 MWh Annually
The photovoltaic parks, to be constructed in the villages of Măgdăcești (Criuleni), Chetrosu (Drochia), Mândrești (Telenești), and the cities of Hâncești and Căușeni, will collectively generate over 1,120 megawatt hours (MWh) annually. This output is sufficient to power over 350 households yearly, significantly contributing to the local energy supply needs source.
The EU4Moldova: Local Communities Programme is a four-year initiative (2023-2027) with a total budget of 15 million euros from the EU and BMZ. The programme is implemented by the German Development Cooperation through GIZ Moldova. It is designed to support sustainable development and resilience in local communities across Moldova. The programme aims to increase community resilience, improve socio-economic conditions, enhance local governance, and promote citizen engagement through various projects and initiatives.
“The EU4Moldova: Local Communities Programme aims to support innovative projects that improve the quality of life of citizens. By building these photovoltaic parks, we are not only reducing the pressure on local budgets but also investing in a sustainable future for the people of Moldova,” said Jānis Mažeiks, ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.
Moldova Solar Parks and Renewable Energy Capacity
Moldova’s renewable energy generation is poised for significant growth, with expectations of reaching over 1,200 GWh by 2026, up from 680 GWh in 2021. This growth is supported by substantial investments in solar power, which contributed to 12% of the country’s 2021 electricity needs and is projected to rise to 21% by 2026. In 2022, Moldova’s solar capacity stood at 70 MW, with further expansion anticipated due to new projects and government policies. The development of photovoltaic parks aligns with Moldova’s broader renewable energy strategy, which includes increasing the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix and reducing the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. The successful implementation of these projects can serve as a model for other communities in Moldova, showcasing the potential of renewable energy to drive sustainable development and economic growth.
Moldova has also established a new regulation for approving power plants over 20 MW, streamlining the authorization process for renewable energy projects on the free market without support schemes. This regulation aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of obtaining the necessary documents for the construction and commissioning of large power plants, thus facilitating the transition to renewable energy source.
For more detailed insights into Moldova’s solar panel manufacturing landscape and renewable energy market, readers can explore the Moldova Solar Panel Manufacturing Report.
The progress in Moldova aligns with broader European efforts to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix, contributing to a sustainable and resilient energy future for the continent source.
