Energy efficiency and residential rehabilitation in Romania

Energy efficiency and residential rehabilitation are central themes in Romania and Moldova. Trends in Romania include individual home renovations, where homeowners optimize space and thermal insulation through specialized hardware, and modernized heating systems to replace inefficient traditional methods.

This focus has expanded into large-scale municipal energy rehabilitation projects. In Romania, several localities, including Câmpina, have utilized European funds via the PNRR program to complete renovations on apartment blocks at no cost to property owners. Similarly, in Moldova, government-funded initiatives in Chișinău target residential buildings for thermal insulation and window replacements to reduce energy costs.

By late August 2026, the scale of PNRR-funded investments in Romania has increased significantly. Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan reported that over 2,000 investments were received during the month, contributing to a significant drop in the number of projects awaiting reception from 4,500 at the start of August. To secure non-reimbursable funding, projects were required to be completed by August 31; otherwise, local authorities must cover costs from their own budgets.

Recent successes include energy efficiency projects for student dormitories at the Technical University of Gheorghe Asachi in Iași, involving a nearly 60 million lei renovation of three dormitories and a sports hall. Other completed works include energy renovations in Măneciu and Poiana Câmpina, residential building renovations in Brașov, and the ‘Centru Region’ program in Zlatna. Additionally, Dâmbovița implemented 12 projects totaling 166 million lei across medical, educational, and cultural sectors, while the National Trade Register Office finalized an 89 million lei digital transformation project. Other completed infrastructure includes a 11.6 km bicycle path network in Baia Mare, sewage expansions in Darabani, nZEB housing in Gușoeni, and high school rehabilitation in Crampoia.