Republic of Moldova has become the first country in Central and Eastern Europe to implement a sandbox regulatory framework for testing advanced energy solutions. On February 12, 2025, the government approved the regulations allowing the operationalization of innovative testing spaces, and the mechanism is now functional, IPN reports.

Today, around 80 entrepreneurs, researchers, innovators, and energy experts participated in a training session dedicated to this new mechanism. The event, organized by UNDP Moldova in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and financially supported by Denmark, covered eligibility criteria, legislative provisions, and the implementation process of pilot projects.

Authorities explain that the energy sandbox is a controlled testing environment, enabling innovators to experiment with new technologies and solutions without the constraints of traditional regulations. The priority areas for testing include collective self-consumption, energy communities, electromobility, grid flexibility, renewable energy integration, biogas and biomethane production, and advanced energy-saving technologies.

Officials present at the event emphasized the importance of this mechanism for Moldova’s energy future. The Ambassador of Denmark to Moldova, Søren Jensen, stated that the initiative allows for the testing and piloting of sustainable solutions, strengthening the country’s energy independence. Similarly, Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative, highlighted that the transition to green energy is essential for reducing Moldova's energy vulnerability.

Cristina Pereteatcu, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, stressed that developing innovative energy solutions is crucial, considering that Moldova imports nearly all of its consumed energy. She emphasized that the Sandbox Mechanism will attract investments, create new jobs, and contribute to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Authorities inform that innovators interested in testing advanced energy solutions can submit applications online via the official platform at https://www.sandbox.energie.gov.md. Selected projects will benefit from a flexible framework and technical support to implement their proposed solutions.

The mechanism was developed by the Ministry of Energy with support from UNDP Moldova and funding from Denmark, Luxembourg, South Korea, and Sweden.

Officials note that this initiative represents a significant step forward for Moldova in its transition to a sustainable and resilient energy system.