Prospects for sustainable development of the energy sector in the Republic of Moldova through energy efficiency programs and projects

The paper analyzes the impact of the EcoVoucher Program on the sustainable development of the energy sector in the Republic of Moldova. Launched in November 2023 with the support of UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Moldova and funded by the European Union, through the former Energy Efficiency Agency-now the National Center for Sustainable Energy (CNED) -the program aimed to support vulnerable households in replacing old household appliances with modern, energy-efficient ones. During the pilot stage, carried out between October 2023 and July 2024, a total of 198,685 vouchers were distributed, of which 39,084 were redeemed, resulting in annual energy savings of approximately 1.6 million kWh or 7 million MDL, and contributing to a reduction of over 830 kg of CO₂ emissions annually. Subsequently, the program was fully taken over by CNED, which in 2024 issued 17,305 vouchers, of which 7,223 were used, achieving additional savings of 1.5 million kWh or 6.6 million MDL, and contributing to a reduction of 789.6 kg of CO₂ emissions annually.