PHOTO // Three district hospitals of Moldova use, store solar energy thanks to support on behalf of Italian government, UNDP

Three district hospitals of Moldova - from Straseni, Cimislia and Anenii Noi - are benefiting from modern photovoltaic systems and energy storage solutions, thanks to an investment worth over 500,000 dollars on behalf of the Italian government, facilitated through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP Moldova). The new installations have a total capacity of 460 kW, and the integrated batteries allow medical equipment to operate even during power outages.

On November 20, 2025, the official handover ceremony of the new photovoltaic installation took place at the Straseni district hospital. The institution, which annually serves over 7,000 inpatients, received 242 photovoltaic panels, 140 kW capacity for electricity production and 164 kWh storage capacity, sufficient for a few hours of complete autonomy.

"The installation of storage systems is essential for efficiently harnessing green energy and balancing the national energy system," said Cristina Pereteatcu, State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy.

At the same time, Angela Paraschiv, State Secretary at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that investments in renewable energy "are not a luxury, but a necessity. Green energy in hospitals saves lives, directly and indirectly."

According to the administration of the Straseni hospital, annual electricity costs, estimated between 900,000 and one million lei, will be reduced by 70-80 per cent thanks to the new panels, allowing for the reinvestment of up to 800,000 lei into the quality of medical services.

In Cimislia, the work to install 234 panels, which will produce over 154,000 kWh annually, equivalent to about 40 per cent of the hospital's consumption, is close to completion. Meanwhile, in Anenii Noi, the hospital benefits from 291 panels and a battery system of 62 kWh, capable of covering about 40 per cent of the institution’s energy needs, which records over 100,000 outpatient visits annually.

According to estimates, the three systems will annually generate 506 MWh of green energy and reduce CO₂ emissions by 237 tons. This will significantly contribute to reducing medical institutions' expenses and enhancing their energy security.

Besides installing photovoltaic panels, UNDP and the Italian government conducted energy audits for 12 medical institutions, identifying efficiency measures and the use of renewable sources. The recommended investments amount to almost 173 million lei and would generate savings of over 7,700 MWh annually, reducing emissions by approximately 2,082 tons of CO₂.

In recent years, external investments have continued the energy transformation of the medical system. The European Union previously contributed 500,000 euros for the setting of 600 kW of panels in hospitals in Floresti, Nisporeni, Stefan Voda, Cahul, and Calarasi, while the Sangerei district hospital was equipped with a system of 84 kW through the support of UNDP and Global Environment Facility (GEF).