
Problems in Moldova's energy sector can be overcome through innovations and transition to renewable resources – the Ministry of Energy.
According to the ministry, from May 12 to 18, its representatives, as well as employees of the National Energy Regulatory Agency (ANRE) and UNDP in Moldova, made a study tour to Denmark and Portugal to study the experience of the two countries in regulating testing centers for innovative technologies for energy development - the so-called sandboxes. In Denmark, meetings were held with representatives of the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Energy Agency to discuss ways of regulating sandboxes and assistance to Moldova to overcome the energy crisis. Then one of the innovation testing sites was visited - GreenLab Skive, established by the Danish authorities to stimulate research, development and innovation in the energy sector, which offers companies production and testing space, as well as the opportunity to operate under favorable conditions from the customs and legal point of view. The total investment in the GreenLab Skive infrastructure made by the authorities and resident companies amounts to about $450 million. The study visit of the Moldovan delegation continued in Portugal, where discussions were held with representatives of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Action, the Energy Services Regulatory Authority, and the Directorate General of Energy and Geology. In Portugal, 90% of the energy used is produced from renewable sources. At the same time, in Portugal, the members of the Moldovan delegation also visited the NOVA School of Sciences and Technologies, which promotes the involvement of students, teachers and the private sector in the generation of innovative solutions for the development of society, including the promotion of new solutions and technologies in the energy sector. According to the Ministry of Energy, innovative companies in Moldova could also benefit from incentives to test their energy solutions. UNDP Moldova has supported the Ministry of Energy in drafting a bill that would allow companies to operate for up to 7 years under special conditions, with derogations from some laws, to test their innovative solutions that are not yet regulated. The bill is at the stage of public consultations. The study visit was supported by UNDP Moldova, with funds provided by Denmark. // 21.05.2024 – InfoMarket