Lower bills, more efficient homes: Moldova switches to nearly zero energy buildings

All new buildings constructed in Moldova will need to be designed to provide nearly zero energy consumption, and existing ones—when undergoing major renovations—will be upgraded to the same standard, to the extent of technical and economic feasibility.

Nearly zero energy buildings (NZEB) will combine high-quality thermal insulation with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and will also encourage the installation of heat pumps and heat recovery ventilation technology.

The goal is outlined in the national plan to increase the number of nearly zero energy buildings (NZEB) by 2030, approved by the government today.

The document sets forth a string of concrete measures to promote the construction of new NZEBs, as well as transforming existing buildings into those with very high energy performance. By implementing this, Moldova aims to significantly reduce final energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, in accordance with the commitments made in the field of energy efficiency and combating climate change.

"In the context of the crises faced by Moldova, enhancing the energy performance of buildings is a national priority for ensuring the energy security of citizens. Buildings are the central element of energy efficiency policy, since they are responsible for about 50 per cent of final energy consumption and over 50 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. Considerable improvement of the energy efficiency of the building stock is essential for achieving long-term strategic climate change objectives," said Dorin Junghietu, Minister of Energy.

The total estimated cost for implementing the plan is about 15 million lei, mainly related to capacity-building costs at the internal level, of which 3 million will be covered by the state budget and the rest will come from external technical assistance projects.

The implementation of the proposed measures will be carried out within the approved budgetary allocations, as well as with the support of development partners and private sector investments.