Representatives of local public administrations have acquired essential skills to design and implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects after completing the three training modules of the LEEN Moldova Learning Energy Efficiency Network (LEEN) program—a network that connects local authorities and encourages the exchange of experience and knowledge on energy efficiency among participants.
LEEN is implemented by AEER, with support from the project Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Moldova (E4M), carried out by GIZ together with the Government of the Republic of Moldova, funded by the German Government and co-financed by the European Union, Norway, and Denmark. The LEEN network itself is funded by the German Government.
The training series aimed to strengthen the capacities of local leaders and administrative staff in preparing municipal energy investments. The trainings covered all stages: from financial planning, budgeting, and public procurement, to project proposal development, identification of funding opportunities, and effective organization of units responsible for project implementation, thereby supporting the execution of energy investments at the local level.
The trainings provided participants with practical tools, real-life examples, and easy-to-use methodologies applicable in day-to-day activities, ensuring that each topic was grounded in concrete situations encountered in energy efficiency projects in Moldova.
The training series consisted of three modules, attended by over 100 representatives of local authorities, including mayors, energy managers, municipal administrators, financial officers, public procurement specialists, and project managers involved in local energy initiatives.
Module 1 focused on financial planning, budgeting, public procurement, and quality control within municipal energy efficiency projects. Participants analyzed cost structures and savings, estimated investment profitability, integrated investments into local budgets, and reviewed all procurement stages—from preparation of technical specifications and tender documents to monitoring, auditing, and quality control mechanisms. The regulatory framework applicable in Moldova, its alignment with European Union principles, and the main types of procurement procedures were also presented.
Module 2 focused on developing project proposals and identifying funding opportunities for investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy. The agenda combined fundamental concepts of project structuring with management tools so participants could align local initiatives with relevant funding sources and prepare applications that meet funders’ requirements.
Module 3 focused on building and strengthening organizational structures for efficient Project Implementation Units (PIUs). Through practical exercises, participants clarified roles and responsibilities, drafted organizational charts, job descriptions, and preliminary implementation plans, emphasizing communication flows, coordination, and monitoring and evaluation tools.
The trainings and activities under the LEEN program are financed by the German Government through the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Moldova project, implemented by GIZ.
Marco Buechel, Implementation Manager of the E4M project, stated: “Participants returned home with clear tools and the confidence needed to transform ideas into practical projects in their communities. The LEEN network will continue to support local authorities and provide collaboration opportunities to accelerate energy development across the country.”
Soon, a call for project proposals will be launched within LEEN, allowing local authorities to put the skills acquired in the modules into practice. Network members will develop project proposals, submit applications, and have the chance to receive funding for their implementation.
