Agency for Energy Efficiency – first public institution provided with electricity totally from renewable sources in Moldova

Chisinau, 05 March /MOLDPRES/ – The Agency for Energy Efficiency (AEE) will be the first public institution with no electricity costs, fully assuring its electricity consumption from renewable sources. A single photovoltaic installation for Moldova was put into operation within framework of a pilot project implemented by AEA and financed by Government of Lithuania with a total budget €228,690.

According to AEE’s press and public relations service, there were mounted 222 solar panels and then connected to network of the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment (MADRM). This plant captures solar radiation through photovoltaic cells and converts it into electricity. The total power of the installed panels is 55kW.

"This plant is an important step towards green and clean energy development here at home. We want to replace traditional electricity sources with a more efficient, newer and cleaner source. In the future, electricity we are going to produce, we plan to offer it to a kindergarten or placement centre for children," said director of the Energy Efficiency Agency, Alexandru Ciudin.  

"An important project aspect is ability to transmit and monitor data online. Based on data gathered, a feasibility study will be carried out, which will come with the recommendations for investors wishing to launch projects using similar technologies," said executive representative of company, Algis Pečiulionis,.

After installment of solar panels, over 2000 kW of electricity have been produced since January 2018 till now. The energy produced by that installation can cover total annual consumption of electricity for about 80 households or 400 apartments.

There are 64 renewable energy active producers in Moldova, of which 47 received a tariff from ANRE and have delivered electricity to public network. Totally, they produce about 69 million kW of electricity through hydroelectric power stations, biogas, wind and photovoltaic plants, says a communiqué from AEE on World Energy Efficiency Day, which is marketed on 5 March yearly.

The government approved on 17 January 2018 draft amending and completing the Law on the Promotion of the Use of Renewable Energy, which has aimed to bring more clarity to investors within renewable energy.

Under the Law on Promotion of the Use of Renewable Energy, a share of renewable energy of at least 17 per cent in gross final consumption of energy is to be achieved by 2020. It is also expected to achieve a share of renewable energy of at least 10 per cent in final energy consumption by transport in 2020.

(Reporter V. Bercu, editor L. Alcaza)