The first biomass heating system under the Energy and Biomass Project II was launched in a kindergarten in Ciumai village, Taraclia district. According to a press release of UNDP, 152 children and teachers will benefit from reliable heating generated by green energy produced in Moldova staring with next winter. The newly installed boiler has a 150kw capacity and will cover an area of about 1,200 m2, IPN reports.
“Together, we have achieved important milestones, towards sustainable development. You are part to the development of a new green sector which, along with the reduction in the use of imported energy, underpin the launch of new businesses, creation of new jobs and supports Moldova’s journey towards a cleaner energy future,” said Dafina Gercheva, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Moldova.
The kindergarten in Ciumai joins more than 160 public institutions all over the country where biomass-fired systems have been installed thanks to the European investments made under the Energy and Biomass Project. “I am particularly happy that the Taraclia rayon is participating so actively in our project. This new biomass heating system in the Kindergarten in Ciumai will directly benefit children and teachers by making their environment more comfortable. There is also a great opportunity to make financial savings and use locally produced green energy,” said Aneil Singh, Head of Operations Section, European Union Delegation.
“We are happy that both the school and kindergarten are heated with green energy and we are not going to stop here. We will move steadily towards local energy autonomy, by attracting private investments or donor support and this will bring to our community energy security and development opportunities,” said Tatiana Turcan, mayor of Ciumai village.
The vocational school no.13 from Ciumai was connected to a biomass heating system during the first phase of the Energy and Biomass Project. These investments benefits 120 students and 38 teachers and its success mad the community to continue in the same manner. The total investments of the Energy and Biomass Project for the kindergarten and vocational school in Ciumai village amount to €138,377, and apr. €15,000 was invested by the community.
The second phase of the Energy and Biomass Project replicates the first phase and aims to connect 80 public institutions to heating systems using Moldovan biofuel and to install 21 solar collectors for hot water production mostly in kindergartens and health centers. The 2015-2017 Energy and Biomass Project II is a €9.41 million project granted by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Program.