The capital is participating in the EBRD’s flagship Green Cities program, which aims to make targeted investments to improve the quality of life in cities. The investment is part of Chisinau’s Green Cities Action Plan, which promotes sustainable and energy-efficient urban development and addresses climate change mitigation. The loan agreement was signed by the Head of Moldova, Giuseppe Grimaldi, and the Mayor of Chisinau, Ion Ceban.
The project envisages modernization and reconstruction of up to 30 kindergartens to improve energy efficiency. EBRD financing will cover the costs of 18 of these buildings. Additional investments include a €7 million grant, an €11.5 million loan from the European Investment Bank and a €1.1 million contribution from the Chisinau budget. The total cost of the project is €31.1 million.
Planned measures include thermal insulation, modern heating and ventilation systems, improved lighting and water supply, replacement of windows and doors, and installation of renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic and solar thermal systems. These measures are expected to achieve average energy savings of approximately 55%, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve indoor comfort for nearly 10,000 children and 1,500 staff.
In addition to the environmental benefits, the project will implement advanced energy management standards, including energy audits and efficiency certifications. It will also incorporate energy efficiency contracts, promoting private sector engagement and innovation in providing sustainable solutions. The initiative is compliant with the Paris Agreement and is classified as 100 percent green financing.
The project will deliver significant energy savings (over 46,000 gigajoules per year, or 55% of total bills) and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 3,165 tons per year. These improvements will not only increase resource efficiency and reduce pollution, but will also contribute to the health and well-being of the city’s youngest residents.
The EBRD, Moldova’s largest institutional investor, provides significant support to Moldova’s energy sector, including energy efficiency improvements. In particular, in July the Bank provided €400 million to ensure Moldova’s energy security by financing gas and electricity procurement, underscoring the EBRD’s commitment to ensuring the country’s energy sustainability.
