The majority of homes in Moldova, about 65%, are heated by traditional methods, using wood and coal stoves – a reality that represents the main challenge in the transition to a sustainable energy system. The statement was made by Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu, in the context of the launch of the Roadmap for Sustainable Heating, IPN reports.
According to the minister, dependence on fossil fuels and inefficient heating systems directly affects efforts to modernize and decarbonize the energy sector, and the recently launched strategic document will provide a practical framework for effective decision-making.
The Sustainable Warming Roadmap aims to progressively reduce carbon dioxide emissions and gradually replace fossil fuels with renewable sources.
The document proposes three transition scenarios up to 2050 and contains provisions related to the pace of renovation of buildings, the estimated investments and sources of financing, the reduction of dependence on fossil fuels, the promotion and integration of renewable energy sources, the increase of energy efficiency in centralized and individual heating systems, the integration of sustainable technologies.
The study on which the Roadmap is based showed that there are 1.3 million dwellings in the Republic of Moldova, with a built stock of 90.5 million m². Over 70% of the buildings were constructed between 1951 and 1990, and 70.6% of the dwellings are detached houses.
According to the study, the composition of the housing stock reveals a high degree of energy vulnerability: 43% of dwellings are made of clay/cement; 27.6% of brick/stone; 19.8% of monolithic/cement; and 8.8% of brick. These data confirm the urgent need for investment in modernization of heating systems and energy renovation of buildings, according to the Ministry of Energy.
The Roadmap for Sustainable Heating was developed with the financial and technical support of the World Bank under the project “Assessment of Sustainable Heating Potential and Roadmap for Sustainable Heating”. There are currently over 224 million dollars of World Bank-funded projects underway in Moldova, including energy interconnection with Romania and improving the efficiency of the centralized heat supply system.
