Moldova Launches Its First Renewable Energy Auction

Moldova Launches First Renewables Auction: 60 MW of Solar and 105 MW of Wind on Offer

Moldova's Ministry of Energy has unveiled its inaugural renewables auction, seeking to procure 60 MW of solar and 105 MW of wind capacity. This initiative aligns with the country's goal to boost renewable energy contributions, with successful investors securing fixed price guarantees for 15 years.

Key Details:

• Application Deadline: March 31, 2025

• Project Capacity Requirements: Solar projects must range between 1 MW and 60 MW; wind projects between 4 MW and 105 MW.

• Price Guarantees: Winning bidders will receive a fixed price guarantee, determined during the auction, but capped at MDL 1.67 ($0.095)/kWh for solar and MDL 1.5/kWh for wind.

The auction will award contracts to the lowest bidders within these price ceilings. This process aims to attract both local and international investors, contributing to Moldova's energy decarbonization and increasing energy independence. The Ministry of Energy anticipates that the share of electricity from renewables will rise from 10% at the end of 2023 to 16.6% once the new projects are operational. Moldova aims for a 30% renewable energy share by 2030.

This auction is part of a broader effort to streamline the approval process for large power plants and make the construction and commissioning process more efficient. Moldova's solar capacity grew from 60 MW to 87 MW by the end of 2023, according to IRENA.

Minister of Energy Victor Parlicov stated, "This auction provides valuable investment opportunities, helps decarbonize our energy sector, and ensures competitive prices for consumers."