
Citizen driven community energy in the Republic of Moldova
Contribution to energy transition and independence
Goal: to establish energy communities in Moldova
Topics: Renewable energies, Business models, International partnership, Transforming the economy
Our mission
The project makes a concrete contribution to the decentralisation of the renewable energy supply in Moldova. Citizen-owned energy is an important component of key reform processes in view of Moldova’s aspirations to join the EU. Energy communities also strengthen social participation and acceptance of the energy transition. This is made possible by a community-based distribution and the associated economic, social and environmental benefits.
The project is embedded in existing political processes and in the international funding partner landscape in Moldova. In relation to this, dena ensures close networking with political partners and other international stakeholders.
Our approach
The project promotes the introduction of energy communities in Moldova through:
- consulting on political issues for the Ministry of Energy,
- capacity building for municipalities and distribution grid operators,
- strengthening of stakeholders with regard to technical and regulatory issues and
- communication measures.
dena advises the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Moldova on political and regulatory issues relating to energy communities in close coordination with other international funding partners.
In selected municipalities, dena supports the stakeholders involved in establishing needs-based, empowered energy communities. In addition, dena advises local authorities on identifying financing instruments for technical equipment.
Part of the project is to enable the distribution grid operators to integrate the created energy communities into the distribution grid.
Workshops and networking events enable Moldovan municipalities to benefit from the experience of European citizen-owned energy stakeholders.
dena also supports local authorities in identifying financing instruments for technical equipment.
Our milestones
- June 2025: capacity building and exchange on financing options and business models for Moldovan energy communities and the promotion of citizen participation
- March 2025: capacity building for the creation of concrete municipal concepts, exchange on technical considerations and regulatory requirements in Moldova
- December 2024: expansion of the network of municipalities and presentation of technical implementation options and market roles for energy communities in Moldova
- September 2024: kick-off event with four pilot municipalities in Moldova
- April 2024: ‘Citizen-owned Energy for Moldova’ kick-off event with policymakers, municipalities, civil society, distribution system operators and international funding partners
Let us know if we can help!
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© Silke Reents
Sina Gasde
Senior Expert, International cooperation
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Chihiro Ettner
Expert, International cooperation
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© Hoffotografen
Bettina Morgenstern-Kennedy
Expert, Districts & cities
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© Silke Reents
Luisa Maschlanka
Expert, Infrastructure & energy system
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Claire Gauthier
Senior Expert, International cooperation