The International Energy Agency (IEA) has presented a roadmap for developing the heat pump market in the Republic of Moldova, a strategic document providing clear directions for modernizing the country’s heating system and reducing dependence on imported energy resources.

According to the IEA, buildings account for more than half of Moldova’s final energy consumption, with approximately 75% of this used for heating and hot water. Currently, these needs are primarily met through imported natural gas and biomass, resources that raise concerns regarding energy security and sustainability. Heat pumps therefore play a central role in the transition to a modern, efficient, and low-emission heating system.

“The roadmap developed by the IEA provides us with an essential tool to guide public policies in the heating sector and to accelerate the modernization of the residential sector. Heat pumps are a strategic technology for Moldova’s energy security, environmental protection, and citizen comfort, and through the Green House program, we are already financing the installation of heat pumps in homes. By implementing these recommendations, we can reduce import dependence, stimulate investments, and improve energy efficiency across the country,” said Carolina Novac, State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy.

The roadmap shows that replacing natural gas systems with heat pumps would significantly improve energy security by reducing imported fuel consumption; leverage increasing wind and solar capacities to supply the new heating systems; reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local pollution; and increase energy efficiency, with heat pumps achieving efficiencies of 300–400%. At the same time, heat pumps are currently more financially attractive than natural gas boilers.

The document highlights that the starting point is low, as electricity currently accounts for less than 1% of household heating needs in Moldova.

The IEA identifies several major barriers limiting heat pump adoption, including high upfront equipment and installation costs; poor energy performance of buildings, most of which were constructed before 1990; heavy reliance on biomass in rural areas, particularly firewood; lack of consumer awareness and demand; high levels of energy poverty limiting household access to modern technologies; and insufficiently developed electricity infrastructure, especially in rural areas. These barriers are similar to those encountered in other European countries in the early stages of the energy transition, the report notes.

The IEA estimates that replacing gas and coal for heating (approximately 8.55 PJ annually) with heat pumps having an average COP of 3 would increase electricity consumption by only 10% compared to 2022 — a manageable increase in the context of energy transition and diversification of sources.

In 2023, Moldova imported heat pumps worth approximately USD 5 million, a level similar to 2022. 48% of imports came from the European Union, mainly France, Germany, and Sweden, while 39% came from China, showing a slight decrease compared to 2022.

The roadmap can be consulted at the following link:
https://energie.gov.md/ro/content/instalarea-pompelor-de-caldura-moldova-o-foaie-de-parcurs-pentru-decarbonizare-si