Cite report
IEA (2025), Ramping up Heat Pumps in Moldova: A Roadmap, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/reports/ramping-up-heat-pumps-in-moldova-a-roadmap, Licence: CC BY 4.0
Report options
A pathway for heat pumps
Heat pumps can strengthen Moldova’s energy security, independence, air pollution and emissions, and even improve energy affordability. Given the regional turmoil – notably in the energy sector – over the past three years and into early 2025, there is a compelling case for reducing natural gas consumption by deploying heat pumps.
While Moldova is only beginning to realise its heat pump potential, this presents a significant opportunity to design the system effectively – by stimulating demand, expanding supply, financing the transition and establishing clear regulations. A comprehensive approach will help to ensure a steady and orderly deployment. The following table recommends specific actions with a time frame and suggested ministry to oversee the action.
Policy support for biogases in selected countries and regions, 2024
| Responsible Ministry | 2025 | 2030 | 2035 | 2040 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Policy framework | |||||
| Develop a national heating and cooling strategy | ENER | ||||
| Clarify the role of heat pumps in heat decarbonisation and consider technology-specific targets | ENER | ||||
| Require local authorities to set out heating and cooling plans | ENER | ||||
| Adopt a long-term building renovation strategy | ENER | ||||
| Adopt new EPBD that is aligned with the European Union | ENER | ||||
| Update Renewable Energy Law so it accounts for ambient heat and electricity for heat | ENER | ||||
| Communication and coordination | |||||
| Organise heat pump capacity building for government officials and the public | ENER | ||||
| Roll out public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the benefits and economic advantages of heat pumps | ENER | ||||
| Communicate with installers about the role of heat pumps to ensure they are properly informing their clients | ENER | ||||
| Create stakeholder platforms for citizens and heat pump installers to engage and share experiences | ENER | ||||
| Building the market | |||||
| Narrow the electricity-to-gas price gap | ANRE | ||||
| Introduce manufacturing incentives such as corporate tax breaks | MIRD | ||||
| Establish facilities and programmes to train heat pump installers | ENER | ||||
| Financing the transition | |||||
| Evaluate a flat-rate subsidy scheme | ENER | ||||
| Reduce VAT on heat pumps to 5% | ENER | ||||
| Regulating the sector | |||||
| Restrict natural gas and biomass in new buildings | MIRD | ||||
| Set a phase-out date for fossil boilers in existing buildings | MIRD | ||||
| Consider a restriction on biomass in existing buildings in urban areas where air pollution may be significant | MIRD | ||||
| Collect comprehensive data on heat pump market and industry, renewables for heating and building stock | NBS | ||||