The Ministry of Energy launched the initiative to create energy communities, presenting the concept to local authorities in an information session. The purpose of these communities is to reduce energy costs and increase autonomy through the use of renewable sources, IPN reports.

"The main target of the energy communities is to promote energy autonomy, through their own generation of energy at much more advantageous prices, which will significantly contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the economy and developing new opportunities and jobs," said Carolina Novac, secretary of state at the Ministry of Energy.

Energy communities are autonomous entities made up of local members, such as individuals, non-profit organisations, small businesses, homeowners' associations or local authorities. Members can produce, consume, store and distribute renewable energy, benefiting from direct access to energy markets and the possibility of sharing the energy produced within the community.

To support the development of these communities, the Ministry of Energy cooperates with international partners. USAID Moldova, through the Moldova Energy Security Activity (MESA), provides technical and legal support, implementing a pilot program for the development of local concepts. UNDP Moldova offers grants of $100,000 each for NGOs involved in piloting the first communities. The German Energy Agency supports local authorities through technical advice and communication measures. Thus, eight localities in the country will benefit from customized concepts for energy communities, and local authorities are assisted in identifying financing instruments for technical equipment.

The Ministry of Energy reaffirmed its commitment to provide technical advice, legislative support and access to financing sources, thus supporting the transition to a sustainable and efficient energy system.