The Energy Sandbox mechanism has become functional in the Republic of Moldova. Over 80 entrepreneurs, researchers, innovators, and energy sector experts participated in a training session on eligibility criteria, legislative framework provisions, and the implementation process for innovative testing projects. The event was organized by UNDP Moldova in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, with financial support from Denmark. The training took place on 20 February 2025.

“As Moldova makes progress in transitioning to sustainable energy, we see a growing interest towards innovation in the energy sector. I am particularly pleased to see the recognition of the importance of innovation, and that is to a large degree based on the Danish experience. Development and approval of the legislative framework on sandboxes allows to test and pilot green solutions whether they will be within energy communities, smart grids, integration of Renewable Energy Sources, or others, needed to strengthen the energy independence of the country,”  stated Søren Jensen, Ambassador of Denmark to the Republic of Moldova.

“To build a more resilient energy future, jointly with the Ministry of Energy, we have embarked on the journey of energy innovation through introducing a technology regulatory sandbox. The recent energy crisis in Moldova, exacerbated by regional geopolitical instability and disruptions in natural gas supplies, has underscored the urgent need for new emerging resilient energy solutions. These solutions are not only critical for advancing Moldova’s just energy transition, but also for reducing energy vulnerability of Moldovan households while enhancing the energy affordability and access to clean energy,” declared Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova.

"Given that almost all the energy we consume in the Republic of Moldova is imported, it is absolutely essential to develop innovative solutions and test them on a large scale. The Sandbox mechanism not only stimulates innovation in the sector but also creates new jobs. By attracting investments, we aim to become an attractive destination for major companies that can bring economic benefits to our country. Without the support of UNDP Moldova and Denmark, this large-scale project would not have been possible. I am convinced that, in collaboration with international partners, we are on the path to making significant progress in the national energy sector, especially as we aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050—an essential goal for a sustainable and resilient energy future,” stated Cristina Pereteatcu, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy.

Moldova has become the first country in Central and Eastern Europe to introduce a regulatory sandbox framework to stimulate innovation in the energy sector. The mechanism became operational after the Government approved the regulations for the implementation of innovative testing spaces in the energy sector on 12 February 2025.

Thus, innovators seeking to test advanced solutions in the energy sector can submit their applications on the dedicated web platform www.sandbox.energie.gov.md. The key testing areas with high potential in Moldova, for which applicants are encouraged to seek sandbox approval, include: collective self-consumption and energy communities, e-mobility, flexibility and grid balancing services, integration of renewable energy sources, biogas and biomethane production, smart grids, and advanced energy-saving technologies for buildings.

The Energy Sandbox mechanism fosters innovation in the energy sector by creating a controlled and flexible environment for testing and developing new technologies, thereby facilitating the transition to renewable energy for a sustainable future. The mechanism was developed by the Ministry of Energy, with support from UNDP Moldova and funding from Denmark, Luxembourg, the Republic of Korea, and Sweden.