The State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Carolina Novac, participated in the first edition of the nZEB Days (nearly zero energy buildings), which are taking place at the Faculty of Urban Planning and Architecture of the Technical University of Moldova (UTM) on May 16-17, 2025.

 

The event brought together specialists in construction and energy efficiency, innovative solution providers, investors and representatives of public authorities, with the aim of presenting the latest technologies and trends in the field of “nearly zero energy buildings” (nZEB). It was organized by ZEBRO (Zero Energy Buildings Romania) and ZUGRO, in partnership with the Faculty of Urban Planning and Architecture of UTM, with the support of RECONOMY and EcoVisio.

 

Opening the event, Carolina Novac emphasized the importance of the nZEB Days as a response to the increasingly evident need for the Republic of Moldova to align the construction sector with European energy efficiency standards.

 

“It is an honor to participate in an event that reflects our shared commitment to sustainable and energy-efficient solutions. This platform provides the opportunity to discuss the future of construction, which must be both modernized and sustainable – two essential components for reducing energy consumption in the Republic of Moldova,” said the Secretary of State.

 

During the panel dedicated to the transition to energy efficiency, Carolina Novac presented a series of ongoing initiatives and projects aimed at supporting the energy efficiency of public and residential buildings.

 

Presenting the main initiatives of the Ministry of Energy, Carolina Novac mentioned that energy efficiency is recognized as a national priority, reflected in strategic documents such as the “European Moldova 2030” Strategy, the Energy Strategy until 2030, the National Development Plan 2024–2026 and the Government Action Plan for 2025. Also, the energy efficiency of public buildings is the second priority within the 20 government actions included in the National Plan “Building a European Moldova”.

 

 

Among the major projects presented are the rehabilitation of 16 medical institutions through a program financed by the European Union, EBRD and EIB, totaling 75 million euros; the STEEM project, carried out in the period 2024–2029, which will allow the energy renovation of 46 schools and the modernization of district heating systems, with a total budget of 54.5 million US dollars; as well as a new investment project supported by AFD and KfW worth 68.7 million euros for the energy efficiency of 30 buildings in the educational and medical fields, currently in the ratification process.

 

 

The Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with CNED, is working to strengthen the secondary regulatory framework necessary for the implementation of Law No. 282 on the energy performance of buildings, as well as to adjust the legislation in force in accordance with European directives. At the same time, financing mechanisms are being developed for the residential sector, including products intended for apartment blocks and individual houses in rural areas, and the new “Casa Verde” program, dedicated to households wishing to adopt energy efficiency measures, will soon be launched.

 

 

The nZEB Days represent a unique opportunity to bring to the attention of the Chisinau public the new European standards in the field of efficient buildings, with the aim of promoting the development of sustainable solutions that reduce energy consumption and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

 

In this context, it is important to ensure the development of a functional energy services market, which can support the transition to high-performance buildings. The maturation of the energy efficiency market requires not only coherent public policies, but also an increase in the number of specialized companies capable of providing energy audit services, technical design and execution of renovation works. The strengthening of this ecosystem will contribute decisively to the sustainable modernization of the built stock of the Republic of Moldova and to the achievement of national objectives in the field of energy efficiency.