Moldovan parliament adopts new facilities for setting electric energy storage systems

The process of installing electric energy storage systems will be simplified, by eliminating administrative barriers. A draft law to this effect today was voted, in the first reading, by 72 MPs.

The legislative initiative belongs to MPs Victoria Belous and Vasile Gradinaru, from the parliamentary faction of the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), and was developed within a working group created under the platform of commission for economy, budget and finances, which includes representatives of the government and the business community.

The document was presented by Victoria Belous. The MP stressed that the draft aimed to remove administrative barriers in the process of developing renewable energy sources and electric energy storage infrastructure.

"In recent years, energy security has become one of the most important priorities of the state. Regional events, energy price volatility and the need to reduce dependence on external sources have shown us that investments in renewable energy are no longer just a development option, but a strategic necessity. Although interest in installing modern technologies based on renewable sources continues to grow, the current regulatory framework contains excessively bureaucratic procedures and insufficiently clear provisions, which generate delays, additional costs and different interpretations by the competent authorities. This draft proposes simplifying procedures for certain categories of works and introducing clear rules regarding electric energy storage installations," said Victoria Belous.





According to the MP, one of the most important changes is the explicit inclusion of electric energy storage installations and related infrastructure in the category of works that can be carried out under a simplified regime, based on specific technical documentation.

"This measure responds to a need of the modern energy system, in which energy storage is an essential element for the efficient integration of renewable sources and for balancing the power system. At the same time, the draft clarifies the requirements regarding the project documentation needed for the installation of photovoltaic panels and storage installations, while maintaining all necessary guarantees regarding construction safety, fire protection and compliance with the regime of protected areas and cultural heritage," said Victoria Belous.

She noted that, for citizens and the business environment, the draft meant faster procedures, lower administrative costs and a more predictable legal framework for investments in modern energy technologies.

"For public authorities, the draft means a reduction of the administrative burden and the standardization of authorization processes. For the state, the draft contributes to strengthening energy security, attracting investments, developing the economy and achieving environmental goals regarding the promotion of the use of renewable energy sources. This initiative represents a concrete step towards modernizing legislation, reducing bureaucracy and accelerating the energy transition of Moldova," added Victoria Belous.

Thus, the legislation will clearly specify that electric energy storage installations fall into the category of works carried out under a simplified regime. Consequently, persons who install photovoltaic panels and heat pumps in individual residential houses, including duplex or terraced houses, in apartment blocks or in other categories of buildings, on roofs or façades, will not need a building permit, but only project documentation prepared for the electricity section.

The draft also facilitates the installation of electric energy storage systems and related infrastructure on the territory of photovoltaic parks, as well as other energy, commercial, agricultural or industrial facilities. The document establishes the minimum technical documentation required for this category of constructions. If these systems are installed in protected areas or in the protection zones of historical monuments, it will be mandatory to present the opinion of the competent authority in the field of cultural heritage protection.

The proposed amendments will simplify administrative procedures and help accelerate investments in the production and storage of energy from renewable sources.

The parliament is to consider the draft law in the second reading. After adoption, the new provisions will enter into force on the date of their publication in the Official Journal.