Pellet and briquette producers from the Republic of Moldova are accessing new markets due to the quality certificates issued by the only accredited laboratory in the country, which tests physical and chemical parameters of the biofuel. The Solid Biofuel Laboratory of the Agrarian University was accredited one year ago thanks to the modern equipment in value of €100,000 received from the European Union, in the framework of the Moldova Energy and Biomass Project, IPN reports.
In a press club meeting, Attaché Alexandre Darras, Project Manager at the EU Delegation to Moldova, said the EU-funded Moldova Energy and Biomass project has put in place all the conditions to ensure that high quality biofuel is available in the Republic of Moldova. “The quality of biofuel is a key condition for the further development of a successful biomass energy market in Moldova,” he stated.
Solid Biofuel Laboratory director Grigore Marian said producers have the possibility to test biofuel parameters and compete not only for price, but also for quality. “Based on laboratory tests, we can recommend to the producers the optimal mixture of raw material to ensure maximum calorific value at an affordable price,” stated Grigore Marian.
National Consultant of the Energy and Biomass Project Sergiu Robu noted that the number of beneficiaries who use solid biofuel as heating agent is growing continuously. Currently, over 200 kindergartens, schools and community centers in the country have installed biomass heating systems with the European funds of Energy and Biomass Project. Moreover, 1,000 families are heating their houses with green energy also thanks to the European Union’s support. Annually, only the beneficiaries of the Energy and Biomass Project request a minimum quantity of 30,000 tons of biofuel. The increasing demand has led to an increase in the number of briquettes and pellets producers, reaching almost 100 business entities.
Nicolae Dragan, owner of a briquettes & pellets factory, said that laboratory tests helped him improve biofuel, ensuring, thus, the satisfaction of buyers and increasing sales. “Previously we exported biofuel to some EU states and we were forced to apply for certification abroad. Now, we have the laboratory in Chisinau, where we can obtain quality certificates much easier from the point of view of logistics and affordability”.
The biofuel’s quality requirements were aligned with the European Union’s requirements in 2012, when Moldova adopted 37 national standards for solid biofuel’s quality and the Regulation on solid biofuel, which stipulates its certification.
Moldova Energy and Biomass Project, phase II, is a three-year project implemented during 2015-2017. The total budget of the Project is €9.41 million funded by the European Union and is implemented by the United Nations Development Program.
