Study Resource Efficiency Gains and Green Growth Perspectives in Moldova Uta Schmieder September 2012 n The energy sector in Moldova faces several problems: strong dependence on energy imports, out-dated technology and high historical debts. For further development, access to the trans-European electricity grid and gas pipelines is necessary. n In order to advance green growth in Moldova, measures need to be taken to raise public awareness of environmental topics and the transparent use of public financial resources, to promote and display best practice cases and to develop special fi­nancial solutions for environment-friendly production. There are still many obstacles for a green economy: the national market for efficient technologies remains small, the overall economic situation is still fragile, energy efficiency measures are often stigmatised as a luxury. The social aspect of energy prices is a problem as well as a reluctance to take responsibility for political action. n Although CO 2 emissions in Moldova have dramatically declined over the past de­cade, the main potential for green growth is still the improvement of energy effi­ciency and energy saving. Further potential sectors for green growth are renewable energy, agriculture and the food industry.