First board meeting of the „Moldova energy and biomass project”
Ilarion Popa, Deputy Minister of Economy: „ Our goal is to develop the renewable energy industry in the Republic of Moldova”
CHISINAU — April 15, 2011 --On April 15 the National Board of the “Moldova Energy and Biomass Project” held its first meeting. The project, funded by the European Union and co-funded and implemented by UNDP Moldova, aims to contribute to a more secure, competitive and sustainable energy production using renewable sources, primarily biomass from agricultural waste.
„The Republic of Moldova is highly dependent on energy imports; hence the Government priority to diversify the energy sources. Some of the surveys suggest that biomass is the most viable and accessible energy source in Moldova. We applaud the launch of the “Moldova Energy and Biomass Project” and we really expect it to help develop the renewable energy industry in our country”, stated Ilarion Popa, Deputy Minister of Economy, chair of the National Project Board.
Wolfgang Behrendt, Head of Political and Economic Section, EU Delegation in Moldova, highly appreciated the intention of the authorities to develop the renewable energy sources, conducive to the energy security of the country and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. „The Energy Strategy of the Republic of Moldova has the ambitious objective to make the gradual shift to alternative energy sources, so to reach a 20% share of energy from renewable sources by 2020. The European Union has set the same goal for itself. This is why we have decided to fund this project in the Republic of Moldova”, said Wolfgang Behrendt.
The “Moldova Energy and Biomass Project” intends to significantly increase the share of biomass energy in rural areas. The rural communities will receive support in the initiatives of shifting to alternative energy sources, in the development of local markets for energy production and installation of biomass heating systems. „This is the largest project in the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova that was made possible due to the increased interest of the Government and the financial support of the European Union. UNDP Moldova is proud of being entrusted with the implementation of this important project, which intends to create sustainable models that will be further replicated in many other Moldovan localities”, concluded Matilda Dimovska, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Moldova.
The 4-year “Energy and Biomass Project” is expected to be implemented over the period 2011-2014, with a total budget of 14.56 million Euro, provided by the European Union (14 mln. Euro) and co-funded by UNDP Moldova (0.56 mln. Euro).
Contact person: Ina Zglavuta, e-mail: ina.zglavuta@undp.org
Republic of Moldova 
