With the support of the Swiss Government, the MA IMPLIC – Phase II Project on civic engagement in local governance, implemented by Skat Consulting, has launched the first investments under its second phase. These interventions focus on energy efficiency and water supply improvements in rural communities across the Republic of Moldova.

The first Cooperation Agreements were signed with the Municipality of Călărași and the Commune of Roșcani (Anenii Noi rayon), targeting both energy efficiency works in public institutions and concrete support measures for energy-vulnerable households. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to reduce energy losses, improve thermal comfort, and modernize local infrastructure.

Călărași – energy efficiency measures for public institutions and vulnerable households
In Călărași, the works will include:

• Kindergarten “Lăstărel” – thermal insulation of the attic floor, with an estimated investment of 500,000 MDL (80% financed by the MA IMPLIC Project, 20% co-financed by Călărași municipality).

• Up to 25 socially vulnerable households – thermal insulation or replacement of windows and doors, with an average investment of 40,000 MDL per household (90% financed by the MA IMPLIC Project, 10% contribution from households).

Roșcani – reconstruction of kindergarten roof and household support
In Roșcani, the project will cover:

• Kindergarten “Scufița Roșie” – roof reconstruction, thermal insulation of the attic floor and basement, with an estimated investment of 1.8 million MDL (50% financed by the MA IMPLIC Project, 50% co-financed by Roșcani municipality).

• Up to 25 energy-vulnerable households – similar interventions, under the same co-financing conditions.

Planned investments
In the upcoming period, energy efficiency measures will be extended to other communities:

• Telenești – thermal insulation of the walls of Kindergarten “Guguță” (2 million MDL);

• Risipeni (Fălești rayon) – efficiency measures for 25 vulnerable households;

• Călinești (Fălești rayon) – energy efficiency works and finishing works at the Cultural Center, plus interventions in 43 private homes (2 million MDL).

Water supply agreements
In addition to energy efficiency investments, MA IMPLIC has signed three Cooperation Agreements for water supply improvements with the localities of Bădiceni, Copăceni, and Satul Nou, with another to follow in Dângeni.

• Bădiceni – extension of 21.2 km of distribution networks and household connections for ~350 households; total investment: 15.6 million MDL;

• Satul Nou – construction of two new water towers, a 0.9 km adduction pipeline, and design of 26.5 km of distribution networks; investment: 3.47 million MDL;

• Copăceni – project for 13 km of networks, two water towers and two artesian wells; construction of 2.2 km of networks and one water tower with sanitary zone; grant: 2.25 million MDL;

• Dângeni – extension of the water distribution network by ~8 km to connect around 180 households; investment: 7.5 million MDL.

The total value of these agreements amounts to approximately 18.1 million MDL, including contributions from the project, local authorities, and citizens.

Objectives of the “Energy Efficiency and Water Supply” Component

• Improving access to water – through the extension and rehabilitation of networks in four localities (Bădiceni, Dângeni, Copăceni, and Satul Nou), ensuring access to safe drinking water for about 9,500 people.

• Increasing energy efficiency – through thermal insulation, replacement of windows and doors, and modernization of heating systems in public buildings and energy-vulnerable households.

These measures will contribute to reducing energy consumption, increasing comfort and safety for beneficiaries, and improving public infrastructure through transparent investments and responsible partnerships between authorities and citizens.

Towards a more efficient and sustainable future for Moldova’s villages.

The “Energy Efficiency and Water Supply” component is part of the MA IMPLIC Project on civic engagement in local governance, which aims to strengthen local governance and improve people’s access to better public services.

The “MĂ IMPLIC – Phase II” project continues to support the development of rural communities in the Republic of Moldova through investments that bring direct benefits to people. On 18 September 2025, the communes of Risipeni and Călinești in Fălești rayon signed cooperation agreements, paving the way for energy efficiency interventions designed to improve the daily lives of residents and modernize public infrastructure.

In Risipeni, around 25 private households will undergo improvements such as the replacement of windows and doors and thermal insulation of the attic. These measures are expected to increase the energy efficiency of homes by about 30%, reduce heat losses, and lower energy bills. In the near future, a public call will be launched, allowing other residents of the commune to apply and benefit from similar interventions.

In Călinești, the investment focuses on the Cultural House, which also hosts the town hall, library, and other public institutions. Through interior renovations and thermal insulation of the attic floor and socle, the building will become more comfortable and energy-efficient. The value of the grant allocated for this intervention amounts to 45,000 Swiss francs (approximately 900,000 MDL).

Through these interventions, residents of Risipeni and Călinești will benefit from better-insulated homes and public buildings, a higher standard of living, and reduced energy consumption. Bills on energy and heating will become more affordable, while the communities will also contribute to environmental protection by reducing resource losses and emissions.

As part of the EnEff component of the Mă Implic Project, significant upgrades have been completed at Kindergarten No. 2 in Vorniceni.

Key interventions included:

• Roof Reconstruction: The old roof was replaced with a durable, safe structure, ensuring long-term protection.
• Thermal Insulation: The walls were insulated, enhancing the building’s energy efficiency, improving comfort for the children, and reducing energy consumption.
• The fire escapes also have been renovated

These upgrades not only improve the energy performance of the building but also provide a more comfortable learning environment, while reducing its environmental impact. The building now features a colorful exterior, contributing to a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere for the children.

The success of the Vorniceni project highlights the value of such energy efficiency interventions and sets a positive example for other localities in Moldova. It demonstrates how improving energy efficiency can directly enhance the quality of life in rural communities.

These interventions were made possible with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

In the context of climate challenges and the impact of the war in Ukraine on rural infrastructure in Moldova, the “MĂ IMPLIC” Project takes an important step in supporting localities in rural areas of the country. The launch of the new component of the project, dedicated to improving water supply and increasing energy efficiency, marks an important step towards sustainable and resilient development for the partner communities of the project.

Despite the progress made in recent years, many rural localities in Moldova still face significant deficiencies in water infrastructure and energy efficiency. These areas face major difficulties in accessing reliable and safe water sources, and the majority of households do not benefit from effective energy-saving solutions, which leads to high costs and has a negative impact on the environment.

The lack of energy security in a country can lead to economic instability and negatively impact social development. The Republic of Moldova, heavily reliant on energy imports, must diversify its energy sources to ensure a sustainable future. Investments in renewable energy are the optimal solution to reduce energy vulnerabilities and stimulate economic growth.

Drawing from his professional experience managing over 320 heating plants in public institutions, Valeriu Chiciuc, a national consultant in the use of thermal energy from solid biofuels, encourages homeowners and public institution directors to implement renewable energy solutions.

A significant portion of Moldova’s residents inherit houses from grandparents and great-grandparents, often built decades ago using construction techniques now considered outdated. As a result, these homes are not energy-efficient, with heat escaping in winter and cool air in summer through walls, doors, windows, attics, and floors.

The percentage of heat loss in a home depends on its type, the condition of its doors and windows, and the materials used in construction. To achieve a comfortable and energy-efficient home, appropriate measures must be taken.

Ion Ulinici, a construction engineer and energy auditor with extensive knowledge in energy efficiency, recommends replacing outdated windows and doors with modern, energy-efficient options.

Climate change and high carbon emissions significantly impact our lives. According to recent studies, 38% of carbon dioxide emissions are linked to the construction sector. In Moldova, the largest amounts of CO₂ are released through the energy sector—primarily from housing maintenance, the transport sector, and improper waste management.

Compared to the EU, nearly 40% of the energy produced in Moldova is used inefficiently in many homes that lack proper insulation. This harms the environment and contributes to pollution. However, many households in Moldovan villages remain unaware of the risks and consequences of excessive energy consumption.

Based on her professional experience, Vica Diavor, a project coordinator at EcoVisio, points out that stove owners often use their stoves for decades without regular checks, even though the heating systems are no longer energy-efficient. Additionally, she highlighted that some owners misuse their stoves by burning waste, unaware of the potential consequences.

Laura Roșulschi, from the village of Colibași in the Cahul district, along with her family, moved into an old house one year ago that was inherited from her husband’s grandparents. Both the walls and the attic were made of clay. The main door didn’t close properly, and they often discovered that it remained open, allowing heat to escape from the house. The attic was made of thin layers of materials, and due to the lack of thermal insulation, the heat rose, losing about 30% of the energy. Step by step, the couple decided to implement efficient solutions to transform their home and help them reduce heat loss during the winter.

Who said it’s complicated to save energy and achieve better results? With a few practical tips and some smart technology, home energy efficiency can become easier and more accessible. Reducing energy consumption and maximizing comfort are simpler when homeowners have the support and guidance of an energy efficiency expert.

Valeriu Meșină is an energy efficiency expert, and over the years, he has helped many homeowners significantly increase the comfort of their homes while saving resources. The specialist explains that among the most common mistakes in households regarding energy education are the lack of knowledge about energy measurement units, the results that can be achieved through consuming a certain amount of energy, and the dangers that can arise from interacting with energy, whether electrical or thermal. He mentions that the most important things a homeowner should know when planning to improve the energy efficiency of their home are: how energy can be obtained and how it can be stored.

Installing a stove in a modern home can not only provide an economical source of heat, but also energy independence. Choosing the right stove, optimal positioning in the room and proper maintenance are essential factors to ensure long-term thermal efficiency.

Tudor Burac has been a stovemaker for many years and knows what it means to build a stove that not only provides warmth, but also long-term energy efficiency. From choosing the perfect place for the stove to its annual maintenance, every detail matters when it comes to enjoying comfort and economy during the cold season.