The State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Carolina Novac, participated in a two-day discussion workshop organized by the German Energy Agency (DENA) under the aegis of the Ministry, which will discuss the process of establishing the regulatory framework and technical requirements for energy communities.

The event will be attended by representatives of central and local public authorities, the National Energy Regulatory Agency, the National Center for Sustainable Energy (CNED), distribution system operators, USAID's Moldova Energy Security Project (MESA), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Covenant of Mayors, etc. The aim of the workshop is to better understand the needs and constraints in establishing energy communities at the local level and adjusting the regulatory framework, respectively, and to capitalize on opportunities for improvement and options for consulting local authorities.

In Moldova, energy communities can play an important role in ensuring security of electricity supply and reducing dependence on energy imports. Decentralization and democratization of energy supply are essential for a sustainable transformation of the energy system. In this respect, energy communities open new and multiple opportunities for citizens. They can actively participate in the energy transition by collectively producing and consuming energy themselves.

"Our major goal is to make the consumption of every kilowatt more efficient, and energy communities are the ideal solution for cost-effective approaches to the installation of renewable capacities at the level of LPAs, household consumers and business. The finalization of the legal framework for the establishment and functioning of energy communities is still a goal of the Ministry of Energy, and the support of development partners is of great help. We thank them for supporting everything that contributes to solving problems and overcoming impediments in the process of ensuring security of supply and reducing dependence on energy imports," emphasized Carolina Novac in her greeting.

During the two-day event participants will discuss the legal context, rights and obligations of energy communities, organizational structure and technical challenges in their establishment. At the same time, experts will present to the audience the opportunities for participation of energy communities from the country's districts in pilot projects, which will be supported by development partners.