Today, Carolina Novac, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Energy, participated in a panel discussion during the seminar “Energy Storage Systems – Evolution of Moldova’s Energy Sector and Business Opportunities.” The event, organized by Unisolar, brought together energy sector experts, business representatives, public authorities, and international organizations, providing a platform for exchanging ideas and best practices regarding the development of energy storage solutions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources.

In her address, Carolina Novac presented the actions undertaken by the Government in the field of renewable energy, emphasizing direct support for businesses and the creation of a favorable investment framework for renewable energy production.

“The renewable energy system in the Republic of Moldova has grown significantly in recent years, with installed capacity increasing sixfold recently, which is crucial for ensuring national energy security. This expansion has been primarily driven by the growth of photovoltaic and wind energy capacity,” stated the Secretary of State.

She also highlighted the simplification of administrative processes through recent amendments to Land Code No. 22/2024. New legislative measures now allow for the installation of solar and wind power plants on agricultural land without requiring a land-use change. This measure will significantly reduce the time and administrative costs for investors and accelerate the implementation of renewable energy projects.

Another key point was the increase in quotas for photovoltaic capacities for businesses. The fixed-tariff photovoltaic capacity quotas have been raised from 20 MW to 120 MW, stimulating new projects and fostering a balanced competitive environment in the renewable energy market. Additionally, financial guarantees for connection permits and a non-utilization fee have been introduced to ensure a more efficient and transparent grid connection process.

Regarding the regulatory framework, a new law amending several normative acts has been adopted, introducing a mechanism for holding applicants accountable for connection permits by establishing clear criteria for granting them. Furthermore, measures have been implemented to improve the imbalance tolerances for eligible producers, contributing to the stability and balance of the national energy system.

A major focus of her intervention was the presentation of the action plan for organizing the second auction for awarding the status of large eligible producer in 2025-2026. This plan aims to stimulate the development of large renewable energy production capacities, alongside storage batteries, and attract strategic investments in the sector. The organization of auctions will ensure fair and transparent competition, optimizing costs and efficiently integrating new capacities into the national energy system.

The Secretary of State emphasized the importance of energy storage solutions for the security and stability of the national energy system. Energy storage is a key component of the energy transition, enabling the more efficient management of fluctuating renewable energy production and strengthening Moldova’s energy security.

Through these measures, the Ministry of Energy aims to create a stable and predictable investment environment, stimulate renewable energy production capacities, and ensure a balanced and sustainable transition toward a decarbonized energy sector.