Ion ȘTEFANOVICI, at the Opening of the FERM 2025 Energy Panel: “Energy Costs Remain the Essential Engine of Economic Development in the Moldova Region”
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
MOLDOVA REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM
19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025
Thematic Panel:
Energy and the Transition to a Sustainable Energy System
Speaker:
Topic of the intervention:
“From Costs to Opportunities: How to Turn Energy Challenges into Sustainable Development”
The Moldova Regional Economic Forum 2025 had the mission to put the region’s economic and sustainable development at the center of attention.
Panel 5, “Energy and the Transition to a Sustainable Energy System”, aimed to identify the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector, focusing on renewable sources, energy efficiency, and supply security.
The President of CAPDR, Ion Ștefanovici, opened the discussion by emphasizing from the start that energy is not just an economic sector but a strategic pillar, essential for all areas of activity in the region.
Energy – a Determinant Factor for the Economy
To explain why the panel started with energy, CAPDR President stressed that the impact of energy costs is felt across every economic branch. In the context of rising prices and pressures on local budgets, this issue becomes critical:
“We estimate that one of the biggest problems for a crucial engine in all domains, regardless of their nature, is and will remain the cost of energy. Because this input determines the final cost in all our areas of economic activity.”
Through this quote, the CAPDR leader underlines that energy influences not only industrial production but also the cost of public services, the functioning of institutions, and the long-term competitiveness of the region. It is a clear call to authorities, businesses, and the international community to prioritize energy efficiency and access to renewable sources.
Cross-Border Cooperation and Government Involvement
In the context of Romanian-Moldovan cooperation, Ștefanovici highlighted the importance of ministerial and diplomatic involvement to ensure strategic coordination:
“I insisted that the Ministries of Energy in Bucharest and Chișinău be involved, in a formula already well-established, as you saw with the ambassadors of Romania in Chișinău and of Moldova in Bucharest present. It is an absolute necessity.”
This statement contextualizes the effort to integrate energy policies and create a favorable framework for joint projects. Through ministerial collaboration and diplomatic involvement, better absorption of European funds and faster implementation of green energy projects are ensured.
The Role of Private Companies and Best Practice Examples
Ion Ștefanovici highlighted the role of local firms in the energy transition, presenting Genesis Biopartner as a concrete example of public-private collaboration:
“In the room is also the representative of Genesis Biopartner, a company from Neamț working in green energy. They are a benchmark for the Romanian side of Moldova, and you will see exactly why.”
This quote shows how innovative companies can provide technological solutions and expertise to optimize energy consumption and attract strategic investments. It is a clear message that the success of the energy transition depends not only on political decisions but also on real partnerships with the private sector.
Active Debate – Interactivity and Practical Relevance
President Ion Ștefanovici emphasized that the panel should be a forum for dialogue, not just a series of presentations:
“Much more useful for everyone is to turn the meeting into an active debate, an exchange of ideas, and especially to take many questions from the audience, because concerns are quite high and have real reasons.”
This approach underlines that the energy sector challenges – rising bills, inefficient old buildings, lack of infrastructure for renewable energy – must be discussed directly with those affected. The exchange of ideas between experts, local administrations, and investors is essential for identifying realistic solutions.
Administrative and Cultural Challenges
Ștefanovici pointed out a recurring problem: the lack of involvement of some local actors, which can sabotage modernization efforts:
“When the bills appear in August, they will start complaining. What happens? Today some are at a coffee, others on vacation, and suddenly they want someone to solve all the problems. It doesn’t work that way in life.”
The CAPDR leader explained why planning and implementing energy projects depend on administrative responsibility. It is not only technology or available funds; the success of green energy projects requires proactive involvement of mayors, local councils, and companies.
Lessons Learned and Coordination Limits
Reflecting on the organization of the panel, Ștefanovici acknowledged the difficulties encountered and lessons learned:
“We misjudged the capacity, responsibility, and understanding of mayors and companies regarding a niche field like energy. We contacted PPC, former ENEL in Romania, because they have the capacity to provide solutions for electrical installation and the transition to green energy, but people must be prepared to interact effectively.”
It was emphasized that technology and know-how alone are not sufficient. For investments and solutions to yield results, local administrations must be educated and motivated to manage energy infrastructure efficiently.
Conclusion
Panel 5 of FERM 2025 demonstrated that energy is a strategic pillar of regional development. The message conveyed by CAPDR President Ion Ștefanovici emphasized that the success of the energy transition depends on a combination of technology, private partnerships, administrative responsibility, and international collaboration.
Only through active dialogue and real involvement of all actors – authorities, investors, and companies – can the Moldova Region turn energy challenges into concrete opportunities for sustainable economic development.
