Italy and UNDP roll out green energy grants across Moldova
Moldova launched a $450,000 grant program in Ialoveni on Monday to finance local renewable energy communities, backed by the United Nations Development Programme and Italy to accelerate citizen-led green transitions.
Under the initiative, selected communities will receive grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 (approx. 881,500 to 1.76 million MDL), depending on technical specifications and local capacity needs. The overall program budget stands at $450,000 (approx. 7.93 million MDL).
Community empowerment and local generation
The launch took place during an informational session attended by Carolina Novac, State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, alongside local administrators and civic groups. Officials presented the participation rules, technical guidelines, and funding criteria.
“It is important for people to participate directly in producing and using renewable energy,” said Carolina Novac. “Energy communities provide this opportunity while creating solutions tailored to local needs.”
Eligibility criteria and application deadlines
To qualify, applicants must form an initiative group comprising at least two members. Beneficiaries must provide a minimum 20% co-financing share and secure ownership or use rights for the installation site for at least ten years.
Managed by Green City Lab Moldova, the selection process gives explicit priority to initiatives led by women or where women play active managerial roles. Applications remain open until October 28, 2026, with final selections expected by year-end.
Developing the legal framework
Energy communities enable citizens, local public authorities, and small businesses to cooperate in jointly generating, consuming, storing, and managing renewable electricity.
The Ministry of Energy is establishing the necessary statutory architecture for these entities. The Moldovan government recently approved draft legislation creating a dedicated legal form for energy communities, an initiative drafted with support from Sweden, Norway, Italy, and UNDP.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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