The building of the National Blood Transfusion Center in Bălți, with a total area of over 2,200 m² and operating for 55 years, is set to undergo an energy-efficiency renovation under the INSPIREE Project. The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place today, with the participation of beneficiaries and development partners.
Carolina Novac, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, emphasized that investments in energy efficiency remain a priority for the Republic of Moldova. She noted that projects such as INSPIREE directly contribute to reducing energy consumption, optimizing public spending, and improving working conditions in key public institutions. The National Blood Transfusion Center in Bălți, which provides essential services to the entire northern region, is one of these institutions.
Ion Prisăcaru, The State Secretary of the Ministry of Health highlighted that modernizing the Center’s infrastructure will have a direct impact on the quality of medical services. The official noted that the institution serves 14 districts in northern Moldova and registers more than 18,000 blood donations each year. In this context, energy-efficiency upgrades and modernized facilities are essential to ensure proper conditions in the areas where blood is collected, processed, tested, and stored.
Representatives of the financial institutions also emphasized the project’s importance for Moldova’s sustainable development. Maxime Lebovics, Director of the French Development Agency (AFD) Office in Moldova, noted that INSPIREE contributes to strengthening energy security and ensuring long-term welfare for citizens.
Meanwhile, Vera Vitkin, Portfolio Manager at the German Development Bank KfW, highlighted that INSPIREE project serves as a model of JEFIC (Joint European Financiers for International Cooperation) Initiativedemonstrating how shared partnership can deliver sustainable, tangible benefits for Moldovan communities. “We are pleased to support the modernization of an institution that plays a crucial role in the national transfusion system and serves tens of thousands of citizens every year”.
During the project presentation, Ruslan Surugiu, Moldova Energy Projects Implementation Unit (MEPIU) Director noted that the Center will undergo a detailed energy audit to identify priority efficiency measures. Planned interventions include thermal insulation of exterior walls and the roof, replacement and installation of modern heating, ventilation and cooling systems, upgraded lighting, and the integration of renewable energy sources, including photovoltaic panels.
Silvia Roșca, Director of the National Blood Transfusion Center in Bălți, emphasized the urgent need for investment: “The building has never undergone major modernization or energy-efficiency improvements. Our activity covers the entire spectrum of services – from donor promotion and recruitment to blood collection, processing, testing, storage, and distribution. Current conditions pose challenges to our medical teams, and this renovation is essential for us to continue safely serving the northern region.”
The Initiative to Nurture Sustainable Public Infrastructure through Renovations for Energy Efficiency, INSPIREE Project is implemented by the Government of the Republic of Moldova through the Ministry of Energy and MEPIU, with the financial support from the French Development Agency (EUR 30.0 million loan) and the Federal Government of Germany (EUR 38.7 million grant) through the German Development Bank KfW. In total, 30 public buildings across the country are scheduled to undergo energy-efficient renovation under the project by 2030.
