With support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a system of photovoltaic panels has been installed on the roof of the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Moldova. We expect this initiative to reduce electricity consumption by up to 15% during its initial phase. Plans are underway to expand the project further, potentially achieving a 45% reduction in energy costs.
Adrian Balutsel, Chief of Staff to President Maia Sandu, highlighted that since the beginning of their mandate, the administration has prioritized efforts to decrease administrative expenses. This focus aims to save public funds, allowing more resources to benefit citizens.
“With support from USAID and other international partners, alongside proactive policies from the Ministry of Energy, we aim to promote energy efficiency and adoption of eco-friendly measures. We anticipate that this project at the Presidential Palace will inspire other public institutions and entrepreneurs to embrace energy-saving initiatives. Saving 20-40% on electricity in places like kindergartens, hospitals, or town halls translates into funds that we can redirect to high-performance equipment and citizen-focused projects,” stated Adrian Balutsel.
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Energy Minister Victor Parlicov emphasized Moldova’s reliance on imported energy resources, with about 75% of energy needs met through imports due to a lack of domestic oil, gas, or coal. He stressed that using renewable energy is crucial for enhancing competitiveness and reducing dependence on imports, to source 30% of electricity from renewables by 2030. In 2023, consumers installed twice as many photovoltaic panels as in the previous five years.
Jeff Bryan, Mission Director for USAID Moldova, underscored the significance of the photovoltaic system at the Presidential Palace as a model for replication in other public institutions across Moldova. “Investing in Moldova’s energy security contributes to a democratic, prosperous, and secure future for its people. The recent aggression in Ukraine highlighted the risks of dependency on Russian energy supplies. Renewable energy is pivotal for Moldova’s clean and secure energy future,” Jeff Bryan stated. He commented that the President’s Office sets a crucial example by embracing clean energy sources.
The 114 photovoltaic panels, generating 62 KW, were installed on the Presidential Palace’s buildings- expected to produce 70,000 KW/h of clean energy annually.