Ialoveni cuts energy consumption by 78 per cent and keeps going

Ialoveni, Moldova, has been a Covenant of Mayors signatory since 2016. In that time the city has thermally insulated most of its public buildings, converted street lighting to 100 per cent LED, launched solar energy production on public institutions and reduced energy consumption in municipal buildings from 1,375 MWh to approximately 307 MWh — a reduction of 78 per cent. Oxana Catărău, Senior Specialist for External Relations and Investment Attraction at Ialoveni City Hall, spoke to CoM East about what nearly a decade of commitment has built.

What are the most important changes in Ialoveni since joining the Covenant of Mayors?

The biggest change was the shift from a reactive administration to one that bases its decisions on energy consumption data.

The City Hall built a clear energy management system: defined responsibilities across the vice mayor, senior engineering networks specialist and investment attraction specialist, monthly monitoring of energy consumption, and digital tools for analysis. This let us track energy use continuously, identify losses quickly and prioritise investments by impact.

At the same time, we implemented a strategic approach through the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP), setting ambitious targets: reducing CO₂ emissions by 42 per cent, saving 27 per cent of energy and achieving a 27 per cent share of renewable energy.

The results are visible. Almost all public buildings have been energy assessed and most are already thermally insulated. Public lighting is 100 per cent LED and digitally controlled. Projects for local energy production have been launched — smart traffic lights, photovoltaic panels, a solar park.

The clearest number: energy consumption in buildings fell from 1,375 MWh in 2016 to approximately 307 MWh in 2024. The city now runs on planning, monitoring and regular review — not on improvisation.

What concrete benefits have residents seen?

A direct example is Kindergarten No. 3 “Lăstărel”, where a 20 kW photovoltaic system reduced energy consumption by approximately 50 per cent. This means lower energy costs — savings of over €1,500 annually — redirected towards better conditions for children: equipment, educational materials and improved facilities. At the same time, 156 children and 30 employees have a consistent electricity supply.

The modernisation of public lighting, fully converted to LED and digitally managed, means better-lit streets, improved visibility and increased safety for residents. The city also saves energy and reduces approximately 700 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Thermal insulation works in educational institutions — including Kindergarten No. 1 “Andrieș”, the School of Arts and Primary School “Ion Creangă” — have improved indoor conditions. Students and teachers benefit from more comfortable temperatures, while the institutions consume less energy for heating.

The expansion of sewerage networks has provided approximately 6,000 people with access to modern sanitation services, improving living conditions and reducing environmental impact.

Through activities such as Energy Day, citizens — especially children — have taken part in workshops about green energy and are applying what they learn at home.

Which project best illustrates that impact?

The photovoltaic system at Kindergarten No. 3 “Lăstărel”. The project involved a 20 kW on-grid system consisting of 37 panels of 550 W each, mounted on the roof. The energy produced is used directly for the kindergarten’s daily needs, as the institution operates fully on electricity.

The results: annual production of approximately 19,044 kWh, covering around 50 per cent of annual consumption of 43,633 kWh. Financial savings amount to approximately €1,530 per year, with emission reductions of approximately 5.23 tonnes of CO₂ annually. The project directly benefits 156 children and 30 employees.

The system includes performance monitoring, monthly technical checks, annual maintenance and digital energy tracking.

How has the mindset of the administration and the community changed?

The administration now treats energy as something to be planned, audited and measured — not managed reactively. Projects connect to a broader vision through the SECAP, linking energy efficiency, renewable energy, mobility and environmental protection.

At the community level, awareness has grown. Children grow up in a context where green energy is part of daily life, supported by programmes such as eTwinning and Eco-School. The community is more open to modern solutions and funding opportunities — for example, a residential association obtained a 70 per cent grant for building insulation and modernisation.

The city is also attracting more interest from investors and partners than it did before.

What does being part of the Covenant of Mayors mean for Ialoveni today?

For Ialoveni, it is no longer just a formal commitment — it is the framework we work within. It gives us a clear strategic direction, access to funding and partnerships, credibility and institutional discipline.

It is how we build a more efficient, greener and more modern city.

A final thought on the future of Ialoveni

For Ialoveni, sustainable development means building a city where energy is used responsibly, the environment is actively protected, and every investment contributes to the well-being of the people who live here — today and tomorrow.