Moldova Support Platform // Three memoranda were signed in energy field. Victor Parlicov: The urgent priority is energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is an urgent priority for the Republic of Moldova, said Minister Victor Parlicov within the Moldova Support Platform. The minister said that today in Chisinau he signed three documents that will ensure the energy security of the Republic of Moldova and the development of the infrastructure.
The French Development Agency and the German Development Bank KfW will allocate 68.7 million euros to the Republic of Moldova.
"38.7 million is a grant offered by the German Government, based on an agreement signed with the Cabinet of Ministers in Chisinau. 30 million represents a long-term concessional credit offered by the French Government. A quarter of the total amount will be used for the thermal rehabilitation of buildings with a social purpose: hospitals, schools", said Parlicov.
The Minister of Energy claims that energy tariffs can be reduced if less energy is consumed. In this context, Victor Parlicov said that twice as much energy is consumed for heating buildings in the Republic of Moldova than in the European Union.
According to the calculations made by the authorities, 7 billion euros would be needed for the thermal rehabilitation of the buildings.
Another agreement reached within the Moldova Support Platform was the allocation by Norway of a grant of 400 million Norwegian kroner (about 34 million euros). The grant component is conditional on accessing a new additional tranche, worth 165 million euros, offered by the EBRD.
"This is for gas purchases, for security and to develop Energocom to become a more active player in the market to increase its capacity," explained the minister. The minister also said that the European Investment Bank (EIB) will allocate a 100 million euro grant for technical assistance to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. "We benefit from this grant of 15 million for energy, environment and infrastructure", said Parlicov.
The Republic of Moldova, according to Parlicov, would develop energy interconnections so that it can receive and deliver energy.
"The Republic of Moldova can become that interface between the European market and the Ukrainian energy market, including being able to help rebuild Ukraine when needed," explained Parlicov.
The Republic of Moldova will receive over almost 400 million euros to develop its key areas, such as the energy sector, but also for the further implementation of the reforms necessary for EU accession. The announcement was made by the Foreign Ministers of France and Germany, during the 4th edition of the Support Platform for the Republic of Moldova hosted for the first time by our country.
More than 30 states and dozens of international organizations participate in the meeting, which aim to mobilize the necessary help in three main directions in the development of the country - budgetary support, the creation of an Infrastructure Fund and the Residential Fund for energy efficiency.
