SUN Da-I Fest brings green energy in capital’s heart

“Increasing the use of renewable energy and stepping up the energy efficiency measures continues to be a priority for the Government. This year the Moldovan Parliament passed the Law on promotion of renewable energy, which defines the national objectives in the renewable energy sector and the mechanisms to support market development. Moldova has valuable renewable energy sources that once properly exploited, will increase the energy independence of the country and of every citizen, will develop the country’s economy facilitating business and creation of new jobs and, last but not least, will protect the environment”, said Octavian Calmac, Deputy Prime-Minister, Minister of Economy.

Sun Da-I Fest culminates the EU Sustainable Energy Week in Moldova.  The 4th edition of the SUN DA-I Fest event, which is organised with the support of the EU funded project Energy and Biomass, show-cases once again not only that sustainable energy is important for us and the planet we live in but also that sustainable energy is fun and that we can all easily take part in this process of changing the way we consume energy. It is indeed a great way of finalising the EU Sustainable Energy Week 2016, which included events all over the country", mentioned Aneil Singh, Charge d'Affaires, EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova.

The visitors had the opportunity to see how renewable technologies work, like biomass-fueled boilers, biofuel production lines, photovoltaic  panels, solar collectors, wind turbines, and also to know the stories of people using green energy at home or by businesses.  

„Energy efficiency and exploitation of the renewable energy is not only useful, but also trendy. So the big number of visitors and the participation of famous music groups denote the success of our communication initiatives. I wish that these activities turn into a commitment of all citizens to be more friendly to nature through responsible use of natural resources", said Michael Stratan, Director of Energy Efficiency Agency.

The guests also participated in public debates and formulated recommendations for the Government on how to encourage the use of renewable energy in Moldova. Adults took part in interactive contests on renewable energy issues, renewable energy production, so as waste recovery workshops. Children colored a cardboard town, charged batteries using citrus fruits and discovered other secrets of the energy produced by nature.

“I am happy to see people’s increased interest in green energy and its smart use. This week the European Union countries have united their voices to promote renewable energy and Moldova is also part of this global movement. On September 2016 Moldova, together with other countries, adhered to the 17 Global Goals, which, among poverty reduction and inequalities, refer to securing a cleaner environment and access to renewable energy”, said Monica Moldovan, Sustainable Development Cluster Advisor, UNDP Moldova.

During the festival, school and university students demonstrated their own inventions that help save energy and use renewable energy sources in a smart way. As well, people passionate about authentic things visited the crafts fair, where artisans displayed and sold decorative items, jewelry, paintings – all made of purely natural products.  The eco-enthusiasts could buy notebooks and pens made of recycled cardboard, water- or solar-powered table clocks, and solar chargers for mobile phones.

SUN Da-I Fest culminated with a live performance by Alex Calancea band & Guz, Cuibul, All at Once (Bender), Six Roads, Bejenari & Kochetcov, The Glimpse, Miriam FlashBlood, Red IceCream, who played with solar-powered musical instruments. The photovoltaic panels that produce solar power were offered for free by Eco-Evolutions.

The event partners are EFES Moldova, Agence Universitaire de la Francofonie, Guvern 24, Altius, Arta şi Cultura Evenimentului, Yard Sale, Media Security. The media partners are: Realitatea TV, TVR Moldova, Kiss FM, Discovery FM, Diez, Agora, Locals, Timpul, Afisha, Zugo, Ziarul de Gardă, All Moldova, Ecoportal, Autoblog.

The 2015-2017 Energy and Biomass Project II is a EUR 9.41 million project granted by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme. This continues the Phase I of the Energy and Biomass Project, implemented during 2011-2014, with a total budget amounts to 14.56 million Euro, allocated by the European Union (14 million Euro) and UNDP (560 000 Euro).