On the sidelines of the bilateral screening meeting on Chapter 15 – Energy and Chapter 21 – Trans-European Networks, which took place last week in Brussels, Carolina Novac, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and responsible for the green transition, held a series of high-level discussions with relevant international partners from the energy sector.

During a meeting with representatives of the Belgian Agency for International Cooperation (Enabel), opportunities for collaboration were explored in projects aimed at implementing green transition initiatives in the energy sector, as well as energy efficiency projects in buildings. Enabel is a key player in promoting sustainable energy transition, being involved in renewable energy projects, green hydrogen, and institutional capacity building in several partner countries. It also provides support for sustainable projects in the areas of digitalization and modernization of energy infrastructure.

The discussions with the representatives of the Belgian Agency for International Cooperation were also attended by Lucia Arsenii, Deputy Director of the National Center for Sustainable Energy (CNED), Ruslan Surugiu, Director of the Consolidated Unit for the Implementation and Monitoring of Energy Projects (UCIPE), and Nicolae Olari, Head of the Energy Efficiency Directorate of the Ministry of Energy. Enabel was represented by its Chief Operating Officer, Sven Huysen, and Infrastructure Expert, Alexis Doucet.

The talks focused on opportunities for collaboration with the Republic of Moldova in the implementation of energy efficiency programs, development of smart metering projects, and the valorization of the country’s potential in the field of biogas. Enabel expressed strong interest in supporting Moldova's ambitions in energy efficiency, including the future consideration of mechanisms that combine technical assistance, grants, and loans, in cooperation with BIO Invest – the Belgian development finance institution.

The Belgian side highlighted its experience in grid stability, flexible connection solutions, and innovative energy storage technologies (such as compressed air or containerized solutions). Enabel also facilitates exchanges between the private sector, public agencies, and academia in Belgium and proposed including Moldovan experts in future study visits to Belgium.

Representatives of the Ministry of Energy appreciated the openness, flexibility, and collaborative approach of the Agency, emphasizing that the Belgian model effectively complements existing partnerships with other donors.

Additionally, State Secretary Carolina Novac held a focused discussion with the team from the European Biogas Association (EBA) regarding the expansion of biogas and biomethane production facilities in the Republic of Moldova.

The dialogue addressed the adoption of best European practices in biogas infrastructure development, the adaptation of the sector to the impacts of climate change, and the diversification of support mechanisms to stimulate investment in this field. The importance of increasing the role of biomethane as a strategic source in the energy mix was also emphasized.

These meetings contribute to strengthening international partnerships and accelerating Moldova's integration into the European energy system, in line with the commitments undertaken as part of the EU accession process.