EBRD, EIB and EU will allocate 75 million euros for a project to improve the energy efficiency of public buildings in Moldova.
This was reported by the European Investment Bank, noting that it is about financing the energy efficiency of public buildings in Moldova, including hospitals, schools and kindergartens, in order to reduce energy consumption in public buildings. For the implementation of the project, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank will provide loans of 30 million euros, and the European Union will provide 15.2 million euros. At the same time, EU grants in the amount of 2.8 million euros will go towards technical assistance to support the implementation of the project, and 12.4 million euros - to finance an increase in the number of energy-efficient renovations of public buildings. The EIB will manage the EU grant. According to the EIB, about 60% of the final energy consumption in Moldova falls on the construction sector. Improvements in energy efficiency will be achieved through better thermal insulation of buildings, the installation of more energy efficient lighting, heating, cooling and ventilation systems, as well as through the integration of renewable energy sources and the introduction of efficient energy management practices. EBRD Vice President for Policy and Partnerships Mark Bowman said greener buildings and associated energy savings would help Moldova reduce overall energy consumption and, just as important, its electricity bills. The project is expected to attract private sector professionals and include provisions on energy efficiency and technical specifications in construction contracts. This will be an excellent opportunity to create local jobs and stimulate the construction sector in Moldova. In turn, Teresa Czerwinska, Vice President of the EIB for Moldova, noted that the success of climate change action aimed at saving the planet from the devastating effects of global warming will largely depend on our ability to make our cities more energy efficient. She stressed that cities consume most of the planet's energy and generate most of their CO2 emissions, which makes such projects extremely important for a green, safe and sustainable future for Moldova, for Europe and the entire planet. EU Ambassador to Moldova Jānis Mažeiks said that energy efficiency investments are a mutually beneficial strategy that strengthens Moldova's energy security. In turn, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Andrei Spinu drew attention to the fact that Moldova, like other countries, has gone through a period of energy crisis, which motivated the strengthening of a more effective strategy, as well as the use of this crisis as an impetus for increasing energy security and efficiency of the state. “This financial package from European partners is an important step towards becoming more independent, more competitive and more resilient to energy problems,” he said. So far, the EIB has invested almost € 850 million in 25 projects across the country, supporting EU policy priorities, including projects in the areas of transport, energy, small and medium-sized businesses, agriculture, communal infrastructure (solid waste, water supply, wastewater) and services in the economy of Moldova. The EBRD is a major institutional investor in Moldova and has so far invested over EUR 1.4 billion in the country in 146 projects. He has also provided consulting services to over 1000 Moldovan companies to help them improve their performance and develop.// 16.12.2021 — InfoMarket
