Moldovan SMEs invited to apply for free energy audits
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking 12 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the Republic of Moldova to receive complimentary energy audit services. The costs for these audits will be covered entirely by a regional project funded by the Government of Denmark. The selected companies will not receive direct financial support; instead, they will receive audit reports prepared by firms contracted directly by UNDP. The deadline for submitting applications is July 10, 2026.
The selection of beneficiaries will occur in a single stage, consisting of two evaluation phases: an administrative phase to verify eligibility and a technical phase. Only applications that achieve a minimum score of 70 points will be considered, and the 12 available positions will be filled in descending order of scores.
If there is an insufficient number of qualified enterprises, the evaluation committee may organize an additional competition.
The technical score is designed to favor companies with a high percentage of energy expenses relative to total costs and those with significant annual energy consumption. Specifically, an average consumption exceeding 10 TJ per year over the past three years will secure the highest score in this category.
Additional criteria focus on the history of energy-efficiency measures and the presence of women in the company's ownership structure or management. In the event of tied scores, priority will be given to enterprises with a higher energy intensity of costs.
Eligibility requirements are quite strict. Applicants must be classified as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), be registered and operating in the Republic of Moldova, have been active for a minimum of two financial years, and present financial statements for the last two reporting periods.
Other requirements include having positive equity in the previous year or providing proof of financial recovery, no debts to the public budget, and maintaining an active production or service unit with significant energy consumption.
According to UNDP guidelines, companies involved in the production of spirits, tobacco, explosives, weapons, military vehicles, or coinage will be excluded, as will those in insolvency, liquidation, or under national or international sanctions.
Selected companies will be required to facilitate auditors' access to their premises and equipment, provide necessary technical and financial information, and designate a contact person.
It is important to note that the program does not finance investments directly. However, applicants must express intent to apply for energy-efficiency programs and demonstrate the ability to consider at least one measure with a payback period of 10 years or less.
Following the audit, SMEs will have the opportunity to apply for investment funding offered by the Organization for the Development of Entrepreneurship (ODA) or other financiers, though access to funding is not automatic, as per UNDP guidance.
The audits will be conducted by companies employing accredited energy auditors who are registered in the Electronic Register of Energy Auditors. The resulting reports will be submitted to the relevant institution for verification and validation. Energy audit services will be provided under a contract between the beneficiary and a commercial company that employs auditors listed in the electronic register.
The energy audit serves as the foundational tool for any energy efficiency project; it identifies energy losses, quantifies energy consumption, and proposes improvement measures.
This program is part of the regional project "Greening the Future, Advancing Rights and Stability", carried out by UNDP.
The initiative is funded by the Government of Denmark, with a budget of up to $10.8 million, running from 2024 to 2027. It targets Georgia and the Republic of Moldova, with approximately $4.27 million allocated specifically to the Republic of Moldova.
