Villages from Soldanesti, Rezina, Orhei and Ungheni districts are now involved in the selection of institutions to be heated with biomass fuel. Starting with this week, local public authorities from these districts can submit applications expressing interest to install biomass-based heating systems in schools, kindergartens, community centers and in other rural public buildings, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a communiqué from the Government. Communities will be selected through a competitive and transparent process based on the following criteria: evidence of reliable source of biomass fuel supply and funds for fuel purchasing; availability of appropriate municipal buildings to be connected to the new heating system; storages in place to store the biomass fuel, and community commitment and motivation to switch to alternative heating sources. “Switching to alternative energy sources and increasing energy efficiency are relatively new terms for Moldova, though extremely important. We import 95% of energy resources without employing our own energy sources, although the benefits, in particular, the economic ones, are obvious,” said Alexandru Relitski, the head of Soldanesti district. “When prices for imported natural gas go up we need an advantageous and reliable alternative solution. Biomass is the most relevant heat supply alternative for rural communities. We highly appreciate the financial support provided by the European Union and UNDP in connecting the rural municipal institutions to alternative heating systems, which is an extremely valuable investment for us,” stated Elena Graur, the head of Rezina district. During May 2011 - March 2012, Moldova Energy and Biomass Project covered 12 districts. Fifty-eight villages from them were selected to connect their rural public buildings to biomass-based heating systems. Overall, 41 schools, 25 kindergartens, three community centers, two mayor’s offices and one dormitory will be heated with biomass fuel during the next heating season. The most part of the costs related to alternative heating system installation is covered by the project, with the village contribution amounting to up to 15% of the total investment value. Moldova Energy and Biomass Project will be implemented over a period of 4 years during 2011-2014. The project total budget is €14.56 million, granted by European Union (€14 million) and UNDP Moldova (€560,000).