Chișinău opens modern green energy training center
A state-of-the-art workshop dedicated to training renewable energy specialists was inaugurated at the Center of Excellence in Electronics and Energy in Chișinău.
The move comes in response to the rapidly growing demand for qualified expertise in the labor market and the severe shortage of certified green energy installers currently felt by companies in the sector.
Cutting-edge equipment was donated with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO). Industry players confirm that professions in the renewable energy field are set to become decisive over the next decade.
The newly opened workshop replicates real-world conditions found in companies managing photovoltaic parks, featuring solar panels, batteries, inverters, and other essential systems for practical training. Students anticipate that the new infrastructure will significantly accelerate their professional development.
One young man stated that "the involvement of this project is an excellent opportunity for us students to transform our theoretical knowledge into practical skills," stressing that it is "a modern profession that will surely evolve in the future." Another fourth-year student commented on the laboratory's utility.
"You can physically see all the connections," he said, noting that the workshop allows students to observe "the processes that occur within a photovoltaic installation," including the differences in energy generation based on the type of connections used.
The student mentioned that previously, "in practice, unfortunately, we did not" have the chance to train, but with the new laboratory's opening, they will be able to apply the knowledge gained in the "Renewable Energy Sources" course.
Vera Chelari, National Project Coordinator at the ILO, emphasized the importance of investing in practical training.
"The modern equipment installed, valued at approximately 600,000 lei (...) is part of a national package estimated at 3.5 million lei, designed to ensure authentic practical training," Chelari stated.
Mariana Bârlădean, the institution's Director, confirmed that the new specializations meet the demands of the labor market, which requires an increasing number of green sector specialists.
"There were many applications for the 2025 admission cycle (...) these programs are the specialties of the future, and we want to send well-qualified specialists into the labor market," Bârlădean highlighted.
The demand for qualified labor is confirmed by companies in the sector. Ion Schiopu, the manager of a renewable energy firm, explained in an interview for the "Zi de Zi" show on Radio Moldova that the installer shortage affects all companies involved in fitting photovoltaic systems.
"Today, there is a deficit of qualified people," which is why many companies "are trying with their own resources (...) to prepare specialists," the entrepreneur noted.
He also raised concerns about the risks to the market when projects are undertaken by unprepared teams.
"The biggest problem (...) is that 60% of companies will cut corners (or scam)," and in many cases, the work "is not completed," leaving clients "frustrated, not getting what they wished for," Schiopu stated.
Regarding the competency of candidates, he found that modern installations are often more complex than applicants assume.
"The majority, when they arrive, are a little confused (...) Why does it take so much time? Why does it require so much cabling?" In his opinion, the essential elements for a specialist are "desire, patience, and contribution."
Looking ahead, Ion Schiopu believes the coming years will bring an increase in demand for energy storage solutions and a market consolidation favoring professional installers.
"The trend is going to be increasingly strong, (...) only the best will remain—those who know how to finish the job," the entrepreneur emphasized.
Materialele despre acest subiect, difuzate la emisiunea „Zi de Zi” de la Radio Moldova, pot fi audiate mai jos.
Autor: Svetlana Bogatu
In this context, developing educational programs and modernizing laboratories remain essential for meeting the need for specialists as the renewable energy sector rapidly expands in the Republic of Moldova.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
