The war in neighbouring Ukraine and wider regional energy disruptions have highlighted Moldova’s vulnerability to external shocks and the importance of strengthening energy security and making better use of locally produced renewable energy.
In Comrat, Gagauzia, Afanasi Chihaioglo, founder of Proton Energy Solutions, is working at the intersection of renewable energy, digital technology and AI. After studying at Imperial College London, he returned to Moldova to develop solutions with both local and international potential.
Through the Peace Dividend Initiative (PDI) Moldova SME Acceleration Programme, supported by the Swiss Cooperation in Moldova, Proton Energy Solutions is developing an MVP for its Virtual Power Plant solution – designed to optimise the use of locally produced renewable energy, with potential applications for data centres and other energy-intensive users.
Supporting home-grown innovative projects like this can strengthen Moldova’s resilience, attract investment and connect regions such as Gagauzia with Moldova’s wider economy and international markets.
This is the broader peace dividend PDI seeks to generate: supporting locally developed solutions that create shared economic opportunities, strengthen resilience and build greater economic connectivity.