An extraordinary piece of news for the academic community! Dormitories no. 2, 15, and 16 of the Technical University of Moldova are preparing for a major transformation, becoming symbols of modern comfort and sustainability. Thanks to the INSPIREE Project and European support, the spaces that have been home to countless students over the years will be renovated to the highest energy-efficiency standards, together with three other dormitories of USM.
The official signing ceremony of the Collaboration Agreement brought together representatives of UTM and USM, government officials, and development partners, in an atmosphere that celebrated long-term vision. During the formal event, a simple but essential truth was highlighted: investing in public buildings, especially those dedicated to education, is a direct investment in the future.
The Minister of Energy, Dorin Junghietu, described energy efficiency as a strategic objective. Since many buildings lose up to 50% of their energy, these works are not just a technical ambition but a vital necessity that reduces waste, lowers cost pressures, and, most importantly, significantly improves the comfort of students and staff.
In turn, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Research, Adriana Cazacu, emphasized the human impact. These projects address an urgent need felt across the entire academic community, which has long awaited decisive interventions to bring educational facilities up to standards worthy of a European university.
“Modernizing the dormitories is not just about technical upgrades. It means creating an environment worthy of a modern university, oriented toward excellence,” stressed the Vice-Rector for Finance and International Relations, Daniela Pojar, highlighting the strategic importance of the project for university development.
The INSPIREE Project is supported by European partners who believe in the potential and development trajectory of the Republic of Moldova. Her Excellency Dominique Waag, Ambassador of France, noted that this initiative represents a model of collaboration focused on modernization and sustainability. “The best energy is the one we do not consume,” the French diplomat pointed out, underscoring the essence of the European approach to energy efficiency.
Her message was echoed by His Excellency Hubert Knirsch, Ambassador of Germany, who emphasized the broad impact of the project, bringing benefits to thousands of people across the country and contributing directly to Moldova’s climate goal: net-zero emissions by 2050.
What comes next? A substantial volume of modern renovation works focused on student comfort and safety. The Director of the Consolidated Unit for Implementing and Monitoring Energy Projects (UCIPE), Ruslan Surugiu, presented the main planned improvements. The rehabilitation will include: thermal insulation of walls and roofs; replacement of windows and doors; installation of modern heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems; upgraded lighting; integration of photovoltaic panels.
In other words, the dormitories will be warmer in winter, cooler in summer, brighter, more efficient, and, importantly, more environmentally friendly.
The INSPIREE Project is implemented by the Government of the Republic of Moldova through the Ministry of Energy and UCIPE, with financial support from AFD (30 million EUR in credit) and the Government of Germany (a grant of 38.7 million EUR offered through KfW). In total, 30 public buildings will undergo energy rehabilitation under the Project, including three UTM dormitories and three USM dormitories. It is an investment in student well-being, in the sustainability of the university campus, and in the academic future of Moldova.
