Moldovan companies will be able to develop innovative solutions in the field of energy production, distribution or consumption. The Cabinet of Ministers approved today, at the initiative of the Energy Ministry, the draft law on innovative test spaces in energy regulation. The draft allows companies in the energy sector to test innovative solutions with exemptions from certain provisions of existing legislation, including in the tax area.

"Sandboxes" will provide a flexible legal framework for research and development, helping to optimize the storage and distribution of electricity and promote renewable energy in Moldova. The project will also support the realization of the sustainable development objectives of the energy sector, such as increasing the volume of investments in the energy efficiency sector, increasing the share of renewable energy in gross final consumption to 27% in 2030, strengthening energy security and achieving climate neutrality by 20250. "

Through the project, the Ministry of Energy is creating optimal conditions for strengthening the energy sector and developing innovative technologies to support increased electrification of activities, a low-carbon economy and adaptation to the challenges of climate change. Consumers in the Republic of Moldova will also have access to modern, reliable, sustainable and affordable energy," said State Secretary Cristina Pereteatcu.

Innovative testing projects may include activities such as developing flexibility services for grid stability, reducing environmental impacts, developing new approaches to capacity charging to influence consumer behavior, integrating energy storage into the energy sector, and managing local energy communities.

The Innovative Testing Space will be authorized for a period of up to seven years, with the possibility of a justified extension for a further period of up to five years. The implementation of the projects will be supervised by the Commission for Innovative Energy Regulatory Test Spaces under the Government. The project was developed with the support of UNDP Moldova and with funding from Denmark, Luxembourg, the Republic of Korea and Sweden.