Around 80 entrepreneurs, researchers, innovators, and energy experts participated in a training session on February 20, 2025, focusing on the operation of the Energy Sandbox mechanism. Discussions covered eligibility criteria, legislative framework provisions, and the implementation of innovative pilot projects. The event was organized by UNDP Moldova in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, with financial support from Denmark.
"As the Republic of Moldova advances on the path to sustainable energy transition, we see growing interest in innovation within the energy sector. I am particularly pleased to see the recognition of innovation's importance and that Denmark’s experience in this field was considered in adopting this mechanism. The development and approval of the legislative framework for the sandbox mechanism allow for the testing and piloting of sustainable solutions—whether energy communities, smart grids, renewable energy integration, or other key initiatives to strengthen the country's energy independence," stated Søren Jensen, Ambassador of Denmark to the Republic of Moldova.
"To build a resilient energy future, together with the Ministry of Energy, we have initiated the innovation process in the energy sector by creating experimental testing spaces. Recent energy crises, exacerbated by regional geopolitical instability and disruptions in natural gas supply, have underscored the urgent need to develop resilient energy solutions. These solutions are not only essential for advancing a fair energy transition in the Republic of Moldova but also for reducing energy vulnerability while ensuring access to affordable green energy," said Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative in Moldova.
"Given that almost all the energy consumed in the Republic of Moldova is imported, it is absolutely crucial to develop and test innovative solutions on a large scale. The Sandbox mechanism not only stimulates innovation in the sector but also creates new jobs. By attracting investments, we aim to become an attractive destination for major companies that can bring economic benefits to the country. Without the support of UNDP Moldova and Denmark, this large-scale project would not have been possible. I am confident that, in collaboration with international partners, we are on the path to making significant progress in the national energy sector. Moreover, we aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050—an essential goal for a sustainable and resilient energy future," said Cristina Pereteatcu, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy.
Moldova has become the first country in Central and Eastern Europe to introduce a regulatory sandbox framework to foster innovation in the energy sector. The mechanism became operational after the Government approved, on February 12, 2025, the regulations for implementing experimental testing spaces in the energy sector.
Thus, innovators looking to test advanced solutions in the energy sector can submit their applications on the dedicated web platform www.sandbox.energie.gov.md. The areas with high testing potential in Moldova, for which applicants are encouraged to request sandbox approval, include collective self-consumption and energy communities, e-mobility, flexibility and grid balancing services, renewable energy integration, biogas and biomethane production, smart grids, and advanced energy-saving technologies for buildings.
The Energy Sandbox mechanism promotes innovation in the energy sector by creating a controlled and flexible environment for testing and developing new technologies, thereby facilitating the transition to renewable energy for a sustainable future. The mechanism was developed by the Ministry of Energy, with support from UNDP Moldova and funding from Denmark, Luxembourg, the Republic of Korea, and Sweden.
