Civil society organizations have the opportunity to apply for a program of grants to develop energy efficient communities in Moldova. Through this program, around €3 million will be invested in the energy efficiency of buildings that provide social services. “The project was designed to help the social sector cope with the latest crises and so we will contribute to making social services resilient and they continue to provide services for the most vulnerable people,” said Daniela Leahu, project director at Soros Foundation Moldova, IPN reports.
The program of grants for transforming the buildings where social services are provided into nearly zero-energy buildings and for community mobilization activities is part of the Local Energy Efficiency Partnerships in Social Services project that is funded by the European Union and is implemented and co-financed by Soros Foundation Moldova, in partnership with Keystone Moldova and the public association Moldova Social Innovation Fund.
Soros Foundation Moldova executive director Daniela Vidaicu said the grant program represents an extraordinary opportunity for establishing partnerships between civil society organizations and the public authorities for a sustainable transformation of the social services sector according to the best European practices, thus accelerating the country’s European integration.
“Together with the escalation of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, in Moldova we have faced various economic, energy and social weaknesses. We immediately realized that the continuity of social services depends also on their provision with energy efficiency measures to guarantee lower costs that would ensure their maintenance, development and sustainability. We are glad that the European Union has identified these priorities. So, with its support, we will manage to respond to imminent energy security and strategic investment needs,” stated Daniela Vidaicu.
EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova Jānis Mažeiks said that thanks to this project, the advantages and benefits of energy efficiency will become accessible to organizations providing social services. Thirty-five grants will be awarded to transform social services buildings into nearly zero-energy buildings based on alternative energy sources. Energy efficiency means considerable savings in heat and electricity costs which can be reinvested in the development of social services. Civil society can significantly contribute to the country’s advancement towards climate neutrality through public information and education campaigns, through initiatives that will reduce carbon emissions in the long run,” stated the official.
State Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection Vasile Cușca said that ensuring fair and uniform access to social services for all the disadvantaged categories is a priority for the Ministry, as is the quality of social services for beneficiaries requesting social services. “Such investments that are made through our loyal partners, civil society organizations, is an additional support for combining forces, developing social services and creating the necessary conditions expected by the beneficiaries,” stated the functionary.
State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy Carolina Novac said that energy efficiency is important for reducing the country’s dependency on external energy resources. “In the Republic of Moldova, the residential sector is the largest energy consumer. With energy efficiency measures, we know that we can reduce heat and electricity consumption by down to 40%. In very clear terms and for the people, this also means reducing bills and also emissions,” noted said Carolina Novac.
The amount for a single grant contract will be €87,750, of which over €57,000 will be allocated for energy efficiency works in the building, while €30,000 for community mobilization activities. Civil society organisations in this competition must participate in partnership with the owner of the public building and the social service provider. Applications can be submitted until April 1 to: foundation@soros.md. Full information about the project is available on Soros Foundation Moldova’s website.
