The first factory making pellets from biomass, built with the assistance of the Government of Japan, was put into operation in Pascani village of Criuleni district. The event coincided with the 15th anniversary of the launch of the Moldovan-Japanese project of assistance to non-privileged farmers 2KR, IPN reports.

The pellet factory will supply raw material for heating to 25 nursery schools and schools that were outfitted with special boilers from the money provided by the Government of Japan. “Moldova pledged to make sure that the biomass represents at least 25% of the used energy resources by 2020. Moldova has biomass to cover even 30% of the used energy resources,” said the technical director of the Unit for Implementing and Administering the 2 KR Project Vasile Bumacov, ex-Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry.

Attending the event, President Nicolae Timofti thanked the Japanese side for the assistance provided to Moldova, especially for developing agriculture. “We appreciate the work of those who implemented this successful and efficient project in Moldova. The offered US$37 million worth of grants represents an important sum for Moldova,” said the head of state.

Japan’s Ambassador to Moldova, based in Kyiv, Shigeki Sumi expressed his satisfaction with the results of the 2 KR Project in Moldova. “For Japan, the 2KR Project is one of the most successful projects. We are ready to help you further,” stated His Excellence.

Launched in 2000, the 2 KR Project aims to help the Moldovan farmers acquire agricultural machinery. Almost 5,000 Moldovan farmers purchased 7,500 pieces of agricultural machinery within this project.