Ensuring sustainable access to energy to strengthen essential services
In a context of high energy dependence and increased vulnerability to geopolitical and climate crises, Moldova has made energy transition a major strategic issue. It is in this context that the SOLIDES project – Health, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the Fight against Greenhouse Gas Emissions through Sustainable Innovations in Renewable Energy – has been developed.
Supported by the French Development Agency (AFD) and implemented in partnership with three Moldovan civil society organisations, the SOLIDES project aims to guarantee sustainable, local and carbon-free access to energy for health centres and social centres, while strengthening the capacities of local actors and the employability of young people.
A project with multiple and complementary objectives
The SOLIDES project is based on an integrated approach, structured around three main objectives:
- Securing the energy supply for essential facilities (health centres, social centres) through solarisation works and the implementation of energy efficiency measures;
- Reducing operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions, while strengthening the resilience of regions to energy dependence, particularly on gas imported from Russia;
- Training Moldovan youth in electrical and renewable energy trades to promote local employability and meet the sector’s growing needs.
Beyond technical investments, SOLIDES places a strong emphasis on strengthening the capacities of partner civil society organisations through their direct involvement in project implementation and an organisational capacity-building programme tailored to their needs.
Numerous beneficiaries, at the heart of the regions
By 2027–2028, the SOLIDES project plans to benefit:
- 48,010 direct beneficiaries, mainly from supported health, social and training structures;
- 185,550 indirect beneficiaries, including:
- 179,550 inhabitants in the areas covered by health centres (Edinet, Leova, Băcioi, Volintiri),
- 6,000 inhabitants in the areas covered by the Concordia social centres (Lăpușna, Sănătăuca).
The project primarily targets rural areas, both Romanian-speaking and Russian-speaking, where energy efficiency needs are most acute and where organisations express a strong desire to reduce their energy dependence.
Clearly identified needs in the field
The initial field missions confirmed the relevance and local roots of the project:
- Health centres are strongly committed to implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions.
- Vocational training centres wish to develop modules dedicated to renewable energies, with specific requirements in terms of teaching materials and equipment for practical work (solar kits, technical rooms).
- Local stakeholders — municipalities, NGOs, institutions — are actively mobilising and positioning themselves as genuine partners in the project.
Technical assessments have also highlighted the need to integrate photovoltaic installations into existing networks in order to guarantee reliable, appropriate and economically sustainable solutions.
An official launch to generate collective momentum
On 24 September, the SOLIDES project was officially launched in Băcioi at an event attended by all stakeholders. The day’s proceedings were attended by the French Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Dominique Waag, and the Director of the AFD office in Moldova, Maxime Lebovics, alongside local partners and the directors of the beneficiary centres.
After a presentation of the project’s objectives and partners, participants visited the Băcioi health centre, which provided a concrete illustration of the challenges and initial stages of implementation.
SOLIDES, a lever for an inclusive energy transition
By combining access to energy, strengthening essential services, combating climate change and training young people, the SOLIDES project aims to make a lasting contribution to the development of Moldovan territories. It is fully in line with a vision of inclusive energy transition, driven by and for local stakeholders.
