Moldova launched a pilot project with a budget of 16 million lei to subsidize the purchase of solar panels to farmers
In particular, the project, which provides a tool to co-finance the purchase of photovoltaic panels by farmers for the purpose of producing electricity for the agricultural producers' own needs, will be implemented by the Agricultural Development and Modernization Agency (ADMA) in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Funding will be provided by USAID and the Swedish government as part of the Future Technologies project. ADMA Executive Director Maxim Popov noted that the maximum amount offered per beneficiary will be 2.5 million lei, which is enough to cover investments in a 200 kW photovoltaic park. Subsequently, farmers will be able to apply to AIPA for subsidies of up to 50% of the investment value. Photovoltaic parks can be built on agricultural land. Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Viorel Gherciu called it important to help farmers diversify energy sources, stressing that within the framework of the project, farmers will be able to install solar panels that will replace their traditional sources of electricity supply, help increase efficiency and productivity, and reduce costs. He noted that the diversification of energy sources in the agricultural sector is a priority and expressed the hope that in the future the fund for subsidizing the purchase of solar panels for the needs of farmers will be increased. The head of the Ministry of Agriculture also expressed hope that in the future assistance in the form of subsidies will be provided to farmers for the purchase of biogas production units. "We are focusing on the diversification of all types of renewable energy production," said Viorel Gherciu. In turn, the director of the project "Technologies of the Future" Doina Nistor said that the transition to "green" energy is the first step in order for agricultural enterprises to become more sustainable. According to her, in the context of rising energy prices, the pilot program launched today is even more relevant for farmers and processors in the agricultural sector of Moldova. "Many farmers have already installed solar panels, but there are also those who put it off for various reasons. And now they will be able to realize their plans with the help of subsidies as part of the strategic program being implemented," Doina Nistor said. According to her, by 2030 the production of solar energy will increase six times. Currently in Moldova there is a low level of development of these technologies.// 28.04.2022 — InfoMarket
