The European Union, Germany, Norway and Denmark have announced more than €25 million in financial support for energy efficiency projects and the use of renewable sources, IPN reports.

The support is provided under the components of the project Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in the Republic of Moldova - E4M and will be managed by the National Center for Sustainable Energy.

The first area supported is the voucher program for the purchase of energy efficient household appliances. The second is the provision of financing for owners' associations in small blocks of flats. And the third - assistance for energy vulnerable families.

"Half of Moldova's energy consumption comes from the residential sector. Per square meter, we consume twice as much as the European average," said Carolina Novac, state secretary at the energy ministry.

The authorities aim to reduce annual energy consumption by 0.8% by 2030 and implement energy efficiency projects in public institutions.

Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Janis Mazeiks said the initiative is not just an investment in infrastructure, it is an investment in people, communities and a future where no family has to choose between comfort and financial security. "The best energy is saved energy," the ambassador said.

According to CNED director Ion Munteanu, the home appliances voucher program has already proven to be a success, with over 7000 families receiving support to replace their old equipment with more energy efficient ones. With the new funding, the number of beneficiaries will increase significantly, he added.

Officials also stressed that with these investments Moldova is moving closer to its energy efficiency and European integration goals, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for all citizens.