The 12 business incubators in the Republic of Moldova will benefit from investments totaling 386 thousand dollars, provided through a project supported by Sweden, Norway and UNDP. The funds are intended for energy efficiency measures, the use of renewable sources, and the development of institutional capacities, reports IPN.

According to UNDP Moldova, the investments will allow the installation of photovoltaic systems and energy storage equipment, heat pumps and LED lighting. Additionally, insulation work, window and door replacements, as well as the procurement of equipment designed to reduce energy consumption and operational costs are planned.

In addition to infrastructure modernization, the incubators will benefit from an institutional development program. This aims to integrate the principles of gender equality and climate action into the consulting, training, and support services offered to small and medium enterprises. At the same time, informational activities will be organized in communities, including for women working in agriculture.

According to UNDP data, this year, energy audits have been conducted in 10 out of the 12 incubators. The implementation of the recommended measures would require investments of about 1.8 million dollars, but would allow annual savings of approximately 2.8 million lei, reducing energy consumption by over a million kWh and decreasing CO2 emissions.

Business incubators operate in Leova, Cahul, Calarasi, Ceadar-Lunga, Cimislia, Dubasari, Nisporeni, Rezina, Soroca, Stefan Voda, Sangerei and the municipality of Chisinau. They host nearly 300 enterprises and support over a thousand jobs.