By 2030, an efficient district heating system should produce more than 75% of heating based on cogeneration, and at least 50% of heating should come from renewable sources. These are provisions contained in the European directives that Moldova has transposed. Home and office heating solutions in the context of the decarbonization agenda and the achievement of zero-carbon climate neutrality by 2050 were discussed during a workshop by the Ministry of Energy with the International Renewable Energy Agency and the Secretariat of the Energy Community.

Traditionally, over 40% of all imported gas is consumed in district heating systems. There are still plants that burn gas directly, which is an inefficient technology. “Our main goal is to emphasize decarbonization, which in the long term will help us to integrate more renewable sources, which will ultimately allow us to reduce costs”, said Minister of Energy Victor Parlicov.

According to the official, heating plants in European countries already integrate solutions such as waste processing, plants based on biomass, biofuel, and storage of hot water heated by the sun in summer. In Moldova, the first steps are being taken in this direction, in Balti and Chisinau.

Marian Brânza, director of CET Nord, spoke about the solar collectors and the stored hot water tank (or thermal energy accumulator), which he intends to put into practice in Balti. This solution would cover about 9% of the needs, and up to 90% in the summer months. The investment would be recovered in about 4 years.

Artur Lorkowski, director of Energy Community Secretariat, stated that the institution will continue to help Moldova with developing the legal and regulatory framework. The official recalled that decarbonization also entails the obligation of the energy sector to reduce the volumes of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere.