Dozens of schools to be renovated in Moldova with investments worth 54 million dollars

Over 46,000 students and teachers will benefit from better conditions for learning after dozens of schools from Moldova are renovated. The investment amounts to over 54 million dollars. The money will be used for energy efficiency works on buildings and upgrading the thermal energy supply system.

The works will take place under the Sustainable Transition to Energy Efficiency in Moldova (STEEM) Project, launched in Chisinau today.

Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu said that the renovation and modernization works were expected to lead to a cut of over 50 per cent in energy consumption in the targeted buildings.

World Bank Country Manager for Moldova Inguna Dobraja emphasized that the STEEM Project was the first in a string of energy efficiency projects to be supported by the World Bank in Moldova. She added that the investments would help combat climate change and energy poverty.

Minister of Education and Research Dan Perciun said that this investment in school infrastructure showed the commitment to build a modern, equitable and sustainable educational system. ‘’Through this project, not only are we improving conditions in dozens of schools, but we are directly investing in the future of our children, ‘’ noted the minister.

The selected institutions will benefit from thermal insulation works on the walls and roof, replacement of windows and doors, renovation of the indoor heating system and lighting efficiency, setting of heat pumps, solar thermal collectors and photovoltaic panels.

The Sustainable Transition to Energy Efficiency in Moldova project has an overall  budget of 54.5 million dollars, of which 50 million will be provided as a loan by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and 4.5 million dollars - as a grant, provided by the Moldova Multidonor Trust Fund for Development, Resilience and Opportunities for Welfare (M-GROW).

The initiative will be carried out by the government of Moldova, through the Ministry of Energy and UCIPE, with the support of the Multidonor Trust Fund (MDTF) Moldova - Development, Resilience, and Opportunities for Welfare (M-GROW), managed by the World Bank Group. Among the founding partners of M-GROW, there are Ireland, Norway and the United Kingdom, who have jointly contributed to the MDTF.