Technical Assistance to the preparation and implementation of the Energy Efficiency project in the Republic of Moldova

In order to support the Republic of Moldova's transition towards a more energy-efficient, climate-resilient and low-carbon public building stock, the European Investment Bank (EIB), together with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union, mobilised the Moldova Energy Efficiency Framework Loan to finance comprehensive thermal and energy refurbishment of public buildings across the country. The investment operation is implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure through the Moldovan Energy Efficiency Agency (EEA) and the Moldova Energy Projects Implementation Unit (MEPIU), which jointly form the Project Implementation Unit (PIU).

The public and residential building sector represents Moldova's largest single energy consumer, accounting for approximately 40% of overall national energy consumption, with more than 70% of buildings constructed between 1950 and 1980 exhibiting very poor thermal performance. Against this backdrop, the Framework Loan targets state- and municipally-owned public buildings — including hospitals, schools, kindergartens, administrative and governmental facilities — with the aim of reducing energy use, lowering CO₂ emissions and improving comfort and safety for citizens who rely on these buildings daily.

The assignment supports a total investment envelope of approximately EUR 75 million, combining a EUR 30 million loan from EIB, a EUR 30 million loan from EBRD and up to EUR 15 million in EU-funded investment grants and technical assistance provided through the Neighbourhood Investment Platform (NIP) and the Eastern Partnership Technical Assistance Trust Fund (EPTATF). 

A core objective of the assignment is to deliver a full Feasibility Study and all necessary preparatory documentation during Phase I, followed by long-term implementation and monitoring support during Phase II. Phase I activities include defining the most effective loan implementation mechanism in line with EIB, EBRD and EU rules, finalising building selection criteria together with the Steering Committee, packaging sub-projects and determining the grant-to-loan ratio, conducting energy audits for a pilot batch of buildings, and preparing procurement documentation for the first group of sub-projects. During implementation, the assignment provides strategic advisory and project management support to the PIU across the investment cycle.

By combining deep energy refurbishment, building-integrated renewables (photovoltaics, solar hot water, heat pumps), issuance of Energy Performance Certificates and institutional capacity building, the project delivers measurable energy savings and CO₂ reductions while improving the quality, comfort and resilience of public services for Moldovan citizens. The assignment also contributes to Moldova's commitments under the EU Association Agreement, the Energy Community Treaty and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

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