The authorization process for renewable energy projects will be simplified and digitalized through a single portal after the Government approved today, at the proposal of the Ministry of Energy, a draft law to this effect. The document also introduces new rules for the sustainable development of the biofuels market and will be submitted to Parliament for consideration and adoption.

One of the main changes is the digitalization and integration of authorization procedures through the government’s EVO portal. All procedures required for the construction, operation or modernization of a renewable energy power plant will be brought together into a single workflow. Applicants will be able to submit applications and track the status of their files online, while the responsible authorities will connect their systems to the platform.

For the first time, the law establishes maximum time limits for the entire authorization process. Large power plants will be authorized within no more than 24 months, while those with a capacity below 150 kW will be authorized within 12 months. In acceleration areas, the deadline will be reduced to a maximum of 12 months, while self-consumption installations, including those installed on buildings, will be authorized within only three months. Photovoltaic panels with a capacity of up to 100 kW installed by prosumers, as well as small-capacity heat pumps, will be authorized within one month. Shorter deadlines will also apply to the reconstruction or modernization of existing power plants, which may take only 30 days if the installation is located in an acceleration area and its capacity does not increase by more than 15%.

As regards site selection, the document provides for the establishment of acceleration areas for renewable energy projects. These areas will be designated by the Government in regions suitable for the development of renewable energy power plants, based on a national energy resource map. Projects developed in these areas will benefit from simplified procedures, shorter authorization deadlines, and facilitated arrangements for grid infrastructure and land-use rights. For large power plants developed by the winners of tenders organized for specific sites, the law recognizes public utility status, which may, under certain conditions, allow for the expropriation of land strictly necessary for the project, while maintaining all legal guarantees for property owners, including the right to fair and prior compensation.

The way electricity supplied to the grid by prosumers is paid for will also change. For new installations, suppliers will purchase surplus electricity at the Day-Ahead Market price, instead of the current mechanism based on an average price. The measure is intended to more accurately reflect the actual value of the electricity generated and reduce the risk of additional costs being borne by other consumers. Those who already have installations will continue to benefit from the existing mechanism until the end of 2027.

According to Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu, the new rules will make the development of renewable energy projects simpler and more predictable.

“The adoption of the draft law will contribute to simplifying the authorization process, strengthening energy security, and achieving the renewable energy targets established under the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan for 2030,” said the Minister.

As regards biofuels, the law introduces a Biofuels Register, which will enable the tracking of transactions, the recording of greenhouse gas emissions, and the issuance of certificates for renewable fuels intended for transport. At the same time, importers and wholesale traders of gasoline and diesel will be required to place a minimum share of biofuels on the market. The National Agency for Energy Regulation will establish annually, through 2030, the mandatory share of renewable energy in transport fuels, monitor compliance, and may impose sanctions on entities that fail to meet their obligations.

Another amendment concerns renewable energy support schemes, where the reference currency will be changed from U.S. dollars to euros in order to reflect the current foreign exchange regime of the Moldovan leu and the actual euro-denominated cost structure of the sector.

The draft law is part of the Republic of Moldova’s commitments to align its legislation with European energy legislation and comes in the context of the national target of covering at least 27% of final energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030. This target is challenging to achieve at the current pace, given that wind and solar power currently account for only a small share of domestic energy consumption.