With the vote of 59 MPs, the draft law on innovative energy regulatory test-beds was passed in second reading.

This will allow companies in the Republic of Moldova to develop innovative solutions in the field of energy production, distribution or consumption.

Companies in the energy sector will be able to test innovative solutions with exemptions from certain provisions of existing legislation, including in the tax field.

According to the document, the Sandboxes will provide a safe environment for innovation, allowing stakeholders to explore the potential of new solutions while managing risks effectively.

The project supports the achievement of the energy sector's sustainability goals, such as increasing the volume of investments in the energy efficiency sector, increasing the share of renewable energy in gross final consumption to 27% in 2030, enhancing energy security and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

Sandboxes provide a platform for energy companies, startups and researchers to experiment with cutting-edge technologies and business models.

Sandboxes enable faster deployment and testing of innovative solutions. This can lead to faster commercialization of innovative technologies, ultimately leading to the energy transition.

Sandboxes can play a crucial role in accelerating decarbonization efforts by enabling the rapid deployment of clean energy technologies."

The Innovation Sandbox will be authorized for a period of up to seven years, with the possibility of a justified extension for a further period of up to five years.

The implementation of the projects will be supervised by the Commission for Innovative Energy Regulatory Test Spaces under the Government.

The project was developed with the support of UNDP Moldova and with funding from Denmark, Luxembourg, the Republic of Korea and Sweden. The draft has been widely consulted with the business community, including on the platform of the Economic Council under the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova.