The Presidency of the Republic of Moldova will use solar energy to partially meet the electricity needs of the presidential complex. A photovoltaic system, consisting of 114 solar panels, worth 103.6 thousand US dollars, was installed with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the British Embassy in Chisinau, through the Moldova Energy Security (MESA) project, as part of the #MoldovaConectată (Connected Moldova) initiative.
Adrian Băluțel, Chief of Staff for President Maia Sandu, thanked the USAID Project which supports the Republic of Moldova in the context of the energy crisis. The Chief of Staff emphasized that the use of energy from renewable sources necessary for own consumption is aimed to promote by its own example the implementation of measures to increase energy efficiency and reduce the climate impact, while also cutting down the annual budgetary expenses of the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova.
“Implementing energy efficiency and green energy technologies is also an exercise in saving public money, and USAID's support greatly contributes to Moldova accelerating this exercise throughout the country,” said Adrian Băluțel, Chief of Staff of the President of the Republic of Moldova.
Present at the event, Minister of Energy Victor Parlicov noted that such projects will contribute to achieving the goal of having 30% renewable energy in final energy consumption by 2030.
“The 2021 energy crisis demonstrated once again the importance of diversifying energy sources. We rely on renewable energy to increase our energy independence. The Ministry of Energy is preparing an investment program for public buildings, following the ESCO model which will invest in the rehabilitation of buildings and equipping them with green energy sources, recovering the money from the savings made.” stated Minister of Energy Victor Parlicov.
The installation of the photovoltaic system on the roof of the Presidential Complex is part of a broader USAID initiative known as #MoldovaConectată (Moldova Connected), through which USAID is investing over 300 million US dollars to improve Moldova's energy stability and resilience, ensuring closer interconnection with the European power grid and a more active use of renewable energy sources, aimed at reducing the dependence on external sources.
“USAID is working hard to ensure that the country's institutions are better equipped to respond to energy and climate challenges, and that citizens have access to cleaner, more reliable and affordable electricity,” noted Jeff Bryan, Head of the USAID Mission in Moldova.