Press release
Heat consumption in Chisinau and its reduction potential.
Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Resources.
Currently the average yearly heat consumption only from the district heating system is approximately 1,2 mln. Gcal, which represents about 650 mln. lei.
The experience of other Central and East European countries shows a potential of reduction in heat consumption of up to 40-60%. Assuming a reduction in consumption of 50%, the saving potential could reach a figure of up to 325 mln. lei annually, which is a very significant amount for the conditions of the Republic of Moldova, representing a waste of financial resources for the population and for the budget.
In case of a tariff of 800 lei/Gcal, requested by the heat supplier, the saving amount could reach up to 480 mln lei annually!
The potential of thermal energy consumption resides first of all in implementing energy efficiency and energy conservation measures in buildings. Examples of measures implemented in Central and East European countries are:
- installation of modern equipment offering the possibility of automatic adjustment and optimizing the thermal energy consumption from the centralized district heating system for heating and hot water – installation of individual district heating substations in buildings;
- upgrading the heating systems in buildings to enable adjustment capabilities at the level of each radiator;
- thermal insulation of walls, modernizing the windows, which, besides the energy conservation effect, would also offer a new appearance for the buildings.
At a small scale such measures were successfully implemented in Chisinau, showing good results.
Although such measures mostly refer to the consumer side, in order for them to be implemented at a large scale, involvement of the authorities both at the central and local levels is necessary.
First of all, it is necessary to have a legal and institutional framework that would allow a radical change and a development in this sphere.
Financial mechanisms are necessary for improving the situation with energy efficiency in the housing sector.
In the public sector it is necessary to have a policy and programs for improving the energy efficiency, not just limiting the consumption of energy resources within institutions.
Considering the complexity of the issue, an active involvement of the authorities is necessary in order to evaluate the barriers and find necessary solutions for a quality change in this sphere.
