Archive for category: Electricity and Power

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Improving Moldova’s Energy Infrastructure

Moldova's energyMoldova has been attempting to cultivate new means of energy diversification for years. Now they are finally beginning to make significant progress in renewing Moldova’s energy infrastructure.

History

In October of 2022, Russia’s state-owned gas corporation, Gazprom, began reducing exports of gas to Moldova by 30%, claiming that it was a consequence of Ukraine refusing to allow large volumes of gas to go through the Sochranivka station, according to the OSW Centre for Eastern Studies.

Then, in December 2022, Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spinu said that the state-owned firm Moldovagaz would purchase 100 million cubic meters of gas from another state-owned enterprise: Energocom. This decision aimed to reduce dependence on Russia, according to CNBC. In conjunction, Moldova also ceased all imports of Russian gas that same month. Although in March 2023, Moldova had changed their tune, deciding to resume business with Gazprom, according to Reuters.

Russian Gas and Transnistria

According to Reuters, in October 2023, Moldova’s Energy Minister Victor Parlicov stated that much of Moldova would no longer purchase gas from the Russian energy giant.

Transnistria, a Russian-backed separatist region within Moldova, continued to receive gas through all of this by way of a piped route through Ukraine. Russia had been sending this gas virtually free of charge. It was only on January 1, 2025, that these imports came to a halt after Ukraine abstained from renewing the deal with Russia, which had made this supply plausible, according to CNN.

While Moldova had refused to purchase Russian gas, it purchased much of its electricity from Transnistria because it houses the Cuciurgan Power Station, the largest of its kind in Moldova. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Moldova relies on Transnistria for around 70-80% of its electricity.

Energy Projects

Moldova’s Ministry of Energy said that in 2024, the country generated 16.7% of electricity through renewable resources.

In the last 10 months, considerable progress has been made in updating Moldova’s energy infrastructure. Renewable mediums of energy are on the rise, and diversification strategies have been fostered; deals have been made, funding has been secured.

In January, when the Trump administration decided to freeze funding for USAID programs, Moldova lost approximately $300 million, which included energy projects, according to Deutsche Welle.

But, in September, the United States approved funding for the Strășeni-Gutinaș transmission line; one of several projects which was supposed to be funded with the aforementioned USAID disbursements. According to the U.S. Embassy in Moldova, it is a “$130 million initiative that will provide opportunities for U.S. businesses, strengthen Moldova’s electric grid, and enhance Moldova’s energy security. When complete, the project will increase Moldova’s energy independence by ensuring a reliable electricity supply from European markets.”

In February 2025, the European Parliament said that it had approved a Reform and Growth facility for Moldova, totaling over $2.1 billion. The facility consists of more than $600 million from grants (more than  $445 million of which is non-repayable support), as well as over $1.7 billion in concessional loans.

The EU will distribute funds over the course of two years. In 2025 alone, nearly $290 million will be allocated to help ensure energy security; additionally, almost $70 million will go towards similar efforts in Transnistria, according to the European Commission.

Furthermore, in July 2025, the European Investment Bank said it had granted Moldova a loan of more than $165 million to improve district heating in Chisinau.

The Future

On September 1, 2025, Moldova replaced Moldovagaz as the official gas supplier, instead opting to go with Energocom for a period of three years, according to Cotidianul. For context, Gazprom controls 50% of Modovagaz, according to Reuters.

Moreover, according to Moldova’s Ministry of Energy, a new thermal power plant in Chisinau will supply an electrical capacity of 250 MW, thermal capacity of 180 MW and a thermal energy storage facility with a capacity of 1,200 MWh; construction could be complete by 2030 with funding from the World Bank.

According to Moldova’s Ministry of Energy, in August 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the auction results for a series of wind and solar farms, which would produce 105 MW and 60 MW, respectively. And as of September 2025, solar grids are online, according to PV Magazine.

Moldova may have taken years to distance itself from Russian energy influence, but it is finally paying off, and the country is strengthening its ties with other European nations. Only time will tell if their pursuit to renew Moldova’s energy infrastructure can remain manageable in the next decade.

– Owen Armentrout

Owen is based in Detroit, MI, USA and focuses on Business Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Power for the People: Iraq’s Energy Infrastructure Issues

Power for the People: An Analysis of Iraq’s Energy Infrastructure Issues Iraq has struggled to maintain a sufficient power grid for decades. The Gulf War damaged Iraqi infrastructure and wiped out 75% of the electricity supply, according to ScienceDirect. Production faltered again after the ousting of Saddam Hussein during the U.S.-led invasion of 2003. Prior to the war, Iraq’s energy production and infrastructure faced strain from sanctions and ongoing conflict but still nearly met demand. At the time, demand ranged between 3,000 and 6,500 megawatts, while production averaged about 4,400 megawatts, according to The Washington Post. 

Rising Consumption and Dependence on Imports

Over the course of the summer, as temperatures swelled to a scorching 122 degrees Fahrenheit, Iraq’s electricity consumption peaked at about 55,000 megawatts, with the Deputy Minister of Electricity Adel Karim stating that the country is currently only generating up to 28,000 megawatts; 8,000 of which come from the natural gas imported from Iran, according to Al Jazeera. In August 2025, Iraq suffered a nationwide power outage for about a day, with subsequently shorter blackouts taking place almost daily, according to CNBC. 

While Iraq is currently the second largest producer of oil in OPEC and houses the fifth largest oil reserves globally, the nation still relies on imports of gas from Iran. Overall, these imports maintain between one-third to 40% of Iraq’s gas and power supply. 

Declining Supply and Infrastructure Challenges

Back in March of 2024, Reuters reported the two nations had signed a five-year deal which would supply Iraq with up to 50 million cubic meters of gas per day. However, exports never reached this ceiling, instead lingering around an average of 25 million cubic meters—the same rate dispersed prior to the deal, which by late November of 2024, had decreased to 7 million cubic meters. 

Iran had diverted the gas for domestic use, coming to this conclusion on the basis of diminished reserves, which had led to widespread blackouts, compounded by a higher demand for heating. Continuing this spiral, earlier in 2025, Iranian gas exports to Iraq dipped by nearly 40%. While Iraq does harbor massive gas reserves of its own, much of it is lost in oil production due to gas flares.

Furthermore, due to deteriorated infrastructure and energy theft, more than 40% of electricity generated by Iraq’s power plants is lost during transmission. This is on top of the fact that these facilities only have the ability to operate at 60% capacity due to overheating, water shortages and inadequate fuel mixes. 

Political Pressures and Blocked Alternatives

The United States (U.S.) announced that it would terminate a waiver on sanctions that had previously allowed Iraq to purchase Iranian electricity, effectively jeopardizing around 3% of Iraq’s power supply. The U.S. made this decision to increase pressure on Tehran amid ongoing nuclear negotiations, according to Al Jazeera.

On September 19th, the U.S. shot down a proposed trade deal between Iraq and Turkmenistan. The agreement would have allowed Iraq to diversify its gas supply by importing 5 billion cubic meters of gas from Turkmenistan; however, the fuel would have to be routed through Iran and the process facilitated by the state-owned National Iranian Gas Company. Through this deal, Iran would have been granted 23% of the daily volume passing through its borders. Therefore, the U.S. saw fit to scuttle the arrangement as nuclear talks with Iran continue, according to Reuters. 

Improving Infrastructure

According to Al-Jazeera, Iraq is currently constructing, seeking approval or negotiating for a series of industrial-scale solar power plants which, combined, will generate up to 12.5 gigawatts, potentially supplying 20% of the nation’s demand. 

The first of which, housed in Karbala, could produce up to 300 megawatts. Another plant under construction in Babil province is set to produce 225 megawatts, and soon to break ground, estimates suggest that a site in the Basra province could generate one gigawatt. In addition, the French oil conglomerate TotalEnergies, in conjunction with several other corporations, has enacted the second phase of development at the Ratawi oilfield.

ENKA, a Turkish construction company, has been commissioned to build the oil and gas processing complex, which could result in a daily output of 210,000 barrels of oil as well as 163 million standard cubic feet of gas.  

Hyundai Engineering and Construction plans to complete a seawater treatment facility that will allow Iraq to reduce its reliance on freshwater for processing.

The Chinese firm Petroleum Engineering and Construction Corp. will also build a separate gas processing plant expected to produce up to 600 million standard cubic feet per day. The entire multi-faceted project will cost the French oil giant a total of $27 billion.

Looking Ahead

While certain deals that would have alleviated dependency and demand may have faltered due to political pressure, Iraq’s dedication to improving its energy infrastructure remains.

– Owen Armentrout

Owen is based in Detroit, MI, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Comoros

Renewable Energy in ComorosThe innovative production of novel renewable energy technologies are essential to the economic development of countries in the developing world, such as Comoros. The East African country of Comoros is a least developed country with a low GDP per capita, which was $1,784.12 in 2024. Comoros is located in the Indian Ocean, encompassing a group of islands by which Grande Comore is the most massive in size of the islands and Mohéli is the tiniest in size.

Poverty in Comoros is catastrophic with poor, unprofitable harvests on a national economy that is dependent on farming. In 2014, the poverty headcount ratio measured up to a 31.4% of the population of Comoros living on less than $3 a day, in scale with 2021 purchasing power adjusted prices. In the combat against poverty, improving public health especially the incidence of waterborne infectious diseases, acute lower respiratory infections and lung cancer through the use of renewable sources of energy over other energy sources is beneficial. Non-renewable sources of energy have high damage costs, which was $16.4 million in 2021 as a result of carbon dioxide gas emissions from the use of fossil fuels and cement production. Here is more information about renewable energy in Comoros.

Hydroelectric Power Plants in Comoros

Comoros has hydroelectric power plants constructed on the island, which are a renewable source of energy. Hydroelectric power plants transform the potential energy of water into electrical energy, which holds advantages of having low operational and maintenance costs, a long lifespan, as well as wide-ranging uses in: irrigation, the supply of water to urban areas, flood control and navigation. The greater the water flow rate, height of the water descending and conversion efficiency of the turbine, the greater the electrical power generated from the hydroelectric power plant. However, Comoros still has a poor supply of electricity and water, largely due to poverty. Comoros and other low-economic countries could develop the technical potential of hydroelectric power, since only 6% of the technical potential for hydroelectric power has undergone development for use in Africa, compared to half in Europe.

The Benefits of Hydroelectric Power

The use of hydroelectric power as a renewable energy source over non-renewable energy sources reduces carbon emissions and decreases greenhouse gas emissions, which is of great importance in light of the Paris Agreement (2016) – a legally binding international treaty on environmental welfare that 195 parties adopted at a United Nations conference to limit global temperature rises. The necessity for the integration of renewable energy sources is paramount to an eco-friendly economic development, since for Comoros a weighty 0.23 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions emitted were from the transportation sector in 2021, which is just a fragment of the wider societal infrastructure.

Although Comoros has built and installed hydroelectric power plants on the island, a greater number of other renewable energy source technologies would be beneficial to the increasingly urbanized towns and industrialization as the country develops economically in strategies to reduce extreme forms of poverty. Since hydroelectric power is helpful in supplying storage and load balancing for solar, wind and other renewable energy sources, further investments in other renewable energy sources would be a fitting extension to the hydroelectric power plants present on the island.

Solar Energy Project in Comoros

Comoros has invested in solar energy via a Solar Energy Access Project for Comoros, with the goal of expanding the renewable energy generation capacity and enhancing the operational performance of the solar energy system for electricity. Power storages in addition to photovoltaic and system upgrades were installed as part of the project at solar photovoltaic power plants built at Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli, while the battery storage remained situated in Grande Comore and Anjouan. The photovoltaic cells transform solar energy radiation from sunlight directly into electrical energy that people can use as electricity.

The vast majority of photovoltaic cells in international financial retail market shares comprise crystalline silicon materials. According to a review on solar photovoltaic technology, innovative carbon nanotube cells used as a material for photovoltaic cells have the capacity to convert 75% of the light energy it receives into electricity, which could aid in providing a more reliable source of electricity to Comoros. Comoros has a tropical weather climate with peak temperatures of 35°C at the beginning of the humid season, therefore the warm sunny climate makes solar energy an ideal renewable energy source.

The Comoros National Electricity Corporation will aid the enlargement across territories of the management information system of the solar energy project plus the installation of the advanced metering infrastructure to all customers. Solar energy projects have great potential compared to other renewable sources of energy as the International Energy Agency (IEA) suggested, and could even help disinfect water for safe drinking.

Looking Ahead

The use of renewable energy sources rather than non-renewable sources of energy is crucially important in the industrial development of Comoros, in order for the country to expand economically as a poverty-reduction effort without causing pollutive damage to the ecosystem, public health or financial trade markets. Hydroelectric and solar energy power plants are renewable sources of energy that have been constructed in Comoros, although maximizing the technical benefits of the renewable energy sources is vital to ensure an efficient, reliable electricity and water supply in a country that has poor utilities due to poverty.

– Deborah Asante 

Deborah is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Food and Electricity: Cuban Mothers’ Activism Against Poverty

Cuban Mothers“Food and electricity” has been the rallying cry for Cuban citizens since the 2021 Cuban protests. In July 2021, Cubans took to the streets in record numbers to protest the COVID-19 response, scarcity of food and medicines and governmental restrictions on their rights. Continuing blackouts due to the energy sector’s collapse fueled protests. As of early 2025, only six of the country’s 15 oil-powered plants remained functional.

The blackouts paralyzed businesses, disrupted schools and caused mass spoilage of household food. According to reports by civil society organizations, around 290 protests driven by the National Electric Power System collapse took place between June 2024 and June 2025. Other factors have spurred the demonstrations, such as the decades-long U.S. embargo, which began in 1958 and has since tightened under the Trump administration; currency reform, which led to soaring inflation; and the COVID-19 pandemic.

These protests have been marked with resilience, especially by Cuban mothers who have been leading the charge. Cuban mothers’ activism has been the loudest, filling the void in the protest movement.

Mothers on the Front Line

Forced to bear the weight of being both caregivers and wage-owners, mothers in Cuba, especially single mothers, bear the brunt of the economic hardships disproportionately. Becoming the main opposition to the Cuban regime, Cuban matriarchs are demanding basic needs such as food, water, electricity, health care and housing. Worried about how the living and economic conditions may impact the lives of their children, Cuban mothers’ activism has brought these issues to the fore.

One poignant example of mothers spearheading the protest movement is 33-year-old Amelia Calzadilla. In a social media video, Calzadilla asked local authorities to run a gas line to her block, one of the few areas in Havana that does not have government-provided gas service. Since her initial video, she began sharing more openly antigovernment stances about Cuba’s deteriorating living conditions. Juggling activism, a paid occupation and caring for three children, Calzadilla represents the multifaceted pressures Cuban women are facing.

In more recent protests, mothers who were unable to feed their children have blocked highways. During the country’s frequent blackouts, matriarchs are protesting through the streets, banging pots and pans until the electricity resumes. Local media reports that more than 30 of these protests occurred in 2023. Women have also been the most vocal in denouncing the government’s detention of at least 45 minors for their participation in the 2021 protests. They have called out children being detained and interrogated without the presence of adults.

Moving Forward

Cuban mothers’ activism has become a formidable force, confronting social and economic issues while they shoulder the weight of being a matriarch. Their feat is all the more monumental considering the danger of detention that protestors face.

– Libby Foxwell

Libby is based in Sherborne, Dorset, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Renewable Energy in Tuvalu: Towards 100% Energy Independence

Renewable Energy in TuvaluIn 2015, the United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with goal seven aimed at ensuring “access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.” Behind this goal lies the widespread issue of energy poverty, or the lack of access to reliable and clean energy due to poor infrastructure or high costs. Energy poverty disproportionately affects developing nations, where it both reflects and reinforces existing poverty. One promising solution is to implement renewable energy, which lowers energy costs, improves energy reliability and supports sustainable growth. Over the past decade, Tuvalu, one of the world’s most energy-impoverished nations, has emerged as a leader in this movement, with a goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030. Here is more information about renewable energy in Tuvalu.

What Is Tuvalu?

Tuvalu is a small Polynesian island nation in the Pacific Ocean, composed of four reef islands and five atolls and totaling just 16 square miles. With a population of approximately 11,733, Tuvalu is known for its rich Polynesian culture, stunning marine environment and advocacy.

Tuvalu is also the 46th poorest country in the world, according to the 2024 World Economic Report. Despite some ocean economic activity, Tuvalu relies heavily on international aid to meet its basic needs, like water, sanitation, transportation, energy and health care.

Energy Poverty in Tuvalu

One of Tuvalu’s most pressing economic challenges is its dependence on imported fossil fuels. In 2021, 96% of Tuvalu’s energy came from imported fossil fuels, which consumed more than 70% of the nation’s budget. High energy costs and poor infrastructure mean many Tuvaluans spend large portions of their income on unreliable and unhealthy energy sources. This not only reinforces cycles of poverty, but also burdens the country’s health, education and clean water services and its economic development.

During the 2009 Conference of the Parties (COP15), Tuvalu’s President Feleti Teo highlighted this cost: “Oil prices in Tuvalu will keep on rising even above the current levels of 3-400% above world prices…this is simply unrealistic and unsustainable for our poor islands.”

Why Renewable Energy in Tuvalu Matters

Renewable energy provides Tuvalu with a path toward sustainability, economic resilience and energy independence. By implementing 100% solar, wind and other renewables, Tuvalu could eliminate the need for imported fuel, cut energy costs, create jobs and stabilize energy access. Recognizing this, Tuvalu set a national goal to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030 and has made already made some major progress thanks to international aid from global partners.

Progress Towards 100% Renewable Energy in Tuvalu

In 2023, Tuvalu celebrated the installation of a 184 solar panel Floating Solar Photovoltaic system on Tafua Pond in Funafuti. This system will generate 174.2 megawatts per hour of electricity each year (2% of Funafuti’s energy demand), reduce Tuvalu’s fossil fuel consumption by 41,100 liters per year and save the nation approximately $68,000 USD per year.

In May 2024, Tuvalu completed its first large-scale solar farm and a two-megawatt-hour battery storage system on its main island, Funafuti. Spanning several hectares of land and rooftop and utilizing advanced photovoltaic technology, the project significantly reduces Funafuti’s diesel dependency and improves energy reliability. With this success, the government and its partners are actively developing additional solar and wind projects to diversify energy sources. 

The Tuvalu government, in collaboration with the Tuvalu Climate Action Network, has also launched education and training initiatives to raise awareness about the benefits of renewable energy and prepare locals with the skills needed to maintain and operate the renewable energy systems.

The Role of International Support

Tuvalu relies heavily on international financial aid to fund its renewable energy projects. For example, grants from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Global Environment Facility and International Renewable Energy Agency made the solar projects possible.

Brian Webb, Director of Sustainability at the College of Wooster, visited Tuvalu in 2024  to prepare for a study-abroad program focused on Pacific island sustainability. In an interview with The Borgen Project, he commented on the relatively low cost of helping Tuvalu transition to clean energy: “It would not take very many million dollars to put them 100 percent on clean energy….Elon Musk spends more in a day than it would cost to fully outfit Tuvalu with clean energy. That is the sad part about it.”

Despite years of promises at global summits like COP15, Webb says, “It is a lot of talk and not a lot of action… Most countries that have the political means to make a positive impact are simply not doing that.” 

Teo’s call for a physical UN presence in Tuvalu during COP15 still resonates today:  “The UN cannot continue to be a ‘faceless’ actor on MDGs and sustainable development.”

Why the US Should Act

Investing in renewable energy in Tuvalu poses not only a humanitarian imperative but also offers a geopolitical opportunity for the U.S. in the Pacific. As Webb explained: “Countries like the U.S. talk a lot about the danger of China’s growing influence… For a relatively small investment, the U.S. could support Pacific nations and counter China’s reach in the region.” However, U.S. support would likely improve regional alliances, demonstrate U.S. leadership on poverty issues and foster long-term strategic returns from the Pacific. 

Renewable Energy to Economic Self-Sufficiency

The transition to renewable energy in Tuvalu provides a road map towards resilience and self-sufficiency and serves as a guide for other developing island nations. As Teo stated: “By harnessing the power of the sun, we are taking control of our energy needs and setting an example for other small island nations facing similar challenges.”

– Dylan Kretchmar

Dylan is based in Granville, OH, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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USAID Programs in Moldova

USAID Programs in MoldovaMoldova is a country in Eastern Europe and a former Soviet republic. In 1992, a year after the fall of the USSR, USAID started working with the country to facilitate the state’s transition, including ending extreme poverty, supporting democracy and advancing resilience and security. Since then, USAID programs in Moldova have amounted to $2.5 billion with focus on both rural and urban areas. 

Despite these efforts, poverty remains a serious issue, particularly in rural regions. For example, last year the Southern region experienced an absolute poverty rate of 51.4%, while the capital region, with better opportunities, reported a significantly lower rate of 14.6%.

These challenges make USAID programs particularly important, and the following are some of the most notable USAID programs with poverty reducing effects.

The Moldova Competitiveness Enhancement Program (MCE)

The Moldova Competitiveness Enhancement Program (MCE) was a large investment aiming to integrate Moldova with European markets. It aimed to increase competitiveness of Moldovan producers through various improvements in the business environment. The profits have far exceeded the project’s cost of $37 million as the World Bank estimated them to be between $69 million to $93 million in value added exports.

The improvements included facilitated access to finance, help in meeting western production standards and major investments in tourism, wine and clothing industries.

The program also improved access to MSTQ (Metrology, Standardization, Testing and Quality) services which enabled small and medium sized enterprises to increase revenues and create jobs, directly contributing to poverty reduction. On top of that, it provided targeted assistance to female entrepreneurs, ensuring inclusive growth. 

Notably, the program supported more than 60 Moldovan wine producers in meeting global food safety certificates, consequently helping them access higher-paying markets which boosts incomes for families in rural areas dependent on wine making. The World Bank evaluated the efficiency of the program as substantial, emphasizing the positive effects of USAID.

Energy Security of the Republic of Moldova

The ongoing energy security program in Moldova aimed at addressing humanitarian and economic issues. While the donors have continued to support the program beforehand, the U.S. marked a major milestone in 2022 directly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, by promising $300 million in aid to improve energy security which DW described as “a major issue in Moldova.”

The U.S. embassy in Chisinau aimed to cover the following using the funds

  • Direct support to relieve Moldovans of record high electricity costs ($80 million).
  • Development of power plants projects to diversify power supply. This includes an ambitious new high voltage line between Romania and Moldova for energy security and European integration ($135 million).
  • Enhancement of Moldova’s ability to produce energy from alternative sources ($85 million).

Officials in the U.S. and Moldova planned the money to support economic development and energy security while promoting sustainability through integration of renewable energy, which also helps protect low-income households from future energy shocks. Importantly, the energy security program directly contributed to lower electricity costs, which alleviates poverty as it reduces economic strain on low-income families. 

According to the UN, during the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 winter seasons, the average energy poverty rate in Moldova fell from 89% to 81.3%. While this improvement reflects the UN’s targeted support, USAID’s efforts in the energy infrastructure and affordability during the same period likely contributed to this positive outcome, helping low-income families manage the rising costs of living.

Inclusive and Participatory Processes Project (IPP)

Among the USAID programs in Moldova, the IPP has focused on democracy strengthening and greater overall participation in decision-making which can be poverty reducing. USAID started the project before the 2020 presidential election in Moldova to ensure transparency and accountability of the vote.

The financial assistance allowed easier election tracking for voters in real time, it provided political training for all parties and notably helped improve the electoral system which managed to withstand a cyberattack on election day. The funding also focused largely on educating voters through sponsoring 25 candidate debates and supporting a government exchange program which educated more than 500 Moldovans on the electoral process. 

The fund also created equal opportunities for citizens through increasing access to polling stations for all. Vasile Savca, the monitor of accessibility in Causeni – a city in Moldova – spoke positively about recent changes saying “I am glad to notice the House of Culture in my village has become more accessible lately … We shall remind the society that people with disability have equal rights as all citizens.” Crucially, the IPP helps ensure that government resources reach communities in need, through transparent and accountable elections, thus indirectly supporting poverty reduction. Moreover, the IPP helps ensure that policies and budgets better address economic needs through increased participation of marginalized populations in elections.

Life After USAID Suspension

Sadly, in 2025 the U.S. Congress voted to reduce the international aid fund, consequently cutting funding for USAID programs in Moldova. Due to that, the government will not be able to undertake many projects and will have to suspend many others. This, for instance, includes the earlier mentioned high voltage line between Moldova and Romania.

However, residents have generally positive feelings towards the aid and they praised USAID programs in Moldova such as the creation of the national wine brand. Despite this setback, people stay optimistic and while American money has been helpful now Europe has stepped up to fill in the gap. For instance, Moldova.org, a feminist news page tackling sensitive stories had three European NGOs pay salaries of their workers for around 3 months after the USAID budget cut.

Ana Gherciu, the director of development of the site, is confident that “there are solutions” to the issue. They are far from being the only case and the attempts to secure aid from other sources are becoming a countrywide pattern. Even the government announced that it is seeking European funding for the power line. In the face of this challenge, Moldovans are staying hopeful and resourceful as they have experienced themselves the positive impacts of humanitarian aid.

– Karol Hejduk

Karol is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Updates on SDG 9 in Colombia: Hydrogen, Jobs and Innovation

SDG 9 in ColombiaIn 2021, Colombia’s Ministry of Energy unveiled an ambitious plan to transition to clean energy by 2050 by replacing fossil fuels with a low-emission hydrogen solution. As of 2025, not only has Colombia remained consistent in its efforts, it is on track to becoming a regional leader in energy sustainability. This article lists some updates on SDG 9 in Colombia.

The 2015 Paris Agreement to reduce the rate of global warming spurred nations into modernizing their energy sources. Part of Colombia’s SDG 9, the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, is a commitment to reducing emissions by 51% by 2030. This is a goal it plans to achieve by transitioning to hydrogen, which it could then potentially export internationally. 

Hydrogen, most commonly used in refining, fertilizers and other chemicals, also serves as a low-carbon alternative that could power small appliances and large vehicles alike. Global demand for hydrogen is likely to increase exponentially in the next two decades. Broad international interest, support and investment have the potential to create thousands of jobs to poverty-stricken regions like Cartagena, Colombia.

Close to 10 million people suffer from energy poverty in Colombia, mostly in rural areas like the Amazonía, Chocó and Orinoquía. While hydrogen is not yet an affordable alternative, mass production and naturally-occurring white hydrogen will make it a competitive alternative by 2030.

Progress for the People

The advancement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promises several benefits to Colombians, particularly the people of Cartagena, where the state-owned company Ecopetrol bases its operations.

  1. Job Creation: According to Colombia’s National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), 41.1% of Cartagena’s population lived in poverty in 2023. The rate of poverty in the region has been increasing since 2021. The city’s unemployment rate for the first semester of 2025 was 9.8%, which hovers above the national average of 8.6% during the same period. Colombia’s roadmap anticipates the creation of 7,000 to 15,000 new jobs. In 2024, Ecopetrol announced the hiring of 344 employees as it expanded its operations. The construction of a new processing plant, new pipelines, the necessity for trained professionals, engineers and more is expected to create further job opportunities for Colombians in the coming years.
  2. Education, Training and Research: The sectors in Cartagena that saw a decrease in new jobs included professional, scientific, technical and administrative roles. In 2023, Ecopetrol invested the equivalent of more than $10 million in career training for its workforce. Ecopetrol is also working with the Inter-American Development Bank, the national vocational education center SENA, several top universities, among others. In a joint effort, they plan to build the first Innovation and Technology Center in the Caribbean.
  3. Health: Hydrogen fuel cells emit only water vapor and warm air, reducing carcinogens and other pollutants in the air. Vehicles powered by hydrogen are quieter, limiting noise pollution.
  4. Investment Opportunities: Several companies, including ENGIE, Siemens Energy and Porsche Colombia have shown support for Colombia’s initiatives.

Updates on SDG 9 in Colombia

The Colombian government has already taken several steps to advance its SDG 9, which include industry, innovation and infrastructure. As of 2025, there are 36 projects in multiple phases of progress.

  1. Strategy: In 2022, Ecopetrol announced that its development of a pilot program would occur in three phases. First, it would focus on the expansion of hydrogen operations at an industrial scale. Second, it would focus on sea and air transport and the search of commercial opportunities across Europe and Asia. Third, it would promote mass use of hydrogen.
  2. Legislation: The Energy Transition Law, enacted in 2021, laid the foundation for the regulations needed for hydrogen development and offered tax incentives to attract projects. In 2024, Decree 1597 established guidelines and regulations for the development of the hydrogen sector.
  3. Discovery of white hydrogen: Colombia discovered white hydrogen in the Cordillera Oriental and Sinú-San Jacinto basins. White hydrogen can be extracted at a lower cost than other types of manufactured hydrogen.
  4. Blending: Promigas’ Cartagena Plant began operations in 2022. Promigas started green hydrogen production and subsequent injection into the natural gas grid. It is the second company in Latin America to utilize blending in its distribution systems.
  5. International investment: Viridi RE declared its intention to build a green hydrogen and methanol plant in La Guajira.
  6. Pipelines: Promigas has been approved for a two-way pipeline between Barranquilla and the Ballena gas field that is expected to begin operating in 2027. Additional planned pipelines include Mariquita-Gualanday, Jamundí-Valle del Cauca and Barrancabermeja-Ballena.
  7. Hydrogen bus: Ecopetrol is looking to build a hydrogen-powered bus capable of transporting 50 passengers to be used in Bogota’s public transit system.

Looking Ahead: SDG 9 in Colombia

Colombia has impressed the international community with its unshakeable commitment to produce and implement a low-carbon source of energy. Ecopetrol and several private investors are financing initiatives, building infrastructure and promoting scientific research.

The nation’s natural resources and strategic geographical location may prove advantageous in the race to become a major hydrogen exporter in the coming years. Moreover, the advancement of SDG 9 through the investment hydrogen industry contributes to the creation of more jobs, healthier communities, learning opportunities and overall poverty reduction for Colombians.

– Johanna Lorena Arredondo Gonzalez

Johanna is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Freepik

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Top 3 Causes of Energy Poverty in Cyprus

Energy Poverty in CyprusEnergy poverty in Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean, is at an all-time high. Energy poverty is when a household struggles to access reliable and affordable energy to fulfill daily needs such as heating, cooling, cooking and lighting.

More than 50% of the population in Cyprus experiences energy poverty. These are the top three reasons for energy poverty in Cyprus and ongoing solutions to bring affordable energy to the island.

Energy Isolation

Cyprus is the only country within the European Union (EU) that is not connected to energy networks. This isolation results in relying on imported fuel to power the country. Because importing fuel is expensive, the energy cost for consumers is high.

About 85% of Cyprus’s energy comes from imported oil and costs 35.7 PPS per 100 kilowatt-hours of electricity. Other countries in the EU pay as little as 14.33 PPS or 15.4 PPS.

Rising Costs of Living

Energy poverty in Cyprus is worsened by the high cost of living relative to the average monthly salary. More than half of Cypriots earn less than $2,214 per month, while apartment rental costs range from $821 to $1,994.

After covering expenses such as groceries, health insurance, car payments and student loan debt, little remains in household budgets for high electricity bills. Nearly 20% of Cypriots report being unable to afford to heat their homes.

Poorly Insulated Houses

Most homes and apartments are not properly insulated, creating difficulties in heating and cooling those spaces thoroughly. Electric bills are inevitably higher if homes cannot properly maintain a comfortable temperature without constant heater or air conditioning system interference.

Continuous use of heating or cooling systems also increases the wear and tear on those devices, leading to added repair costs. Health issues may arise for those who cannot afford to heat or cool their homes properly. Heat exhaustion, dehydration and even asthma attacks are possible.

Solutions to Energy Poverty in Cyprus

The Cypriot government is making progress toward solving energy poverty in Cyprus. It is also working to reduce the price of electricity through the Great Sea Interconnector and the Solar Energy for All Program. The Great Sea Interconnector is designed to electronically connect Cyprus, Greece and Israel to share power grids and access.

This plan would lower the price of electricity and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels to meet energy needs. Electricity bills in Cyprus are expected to decrease significantly. Providing an accessible path to clean, renewable energy and eliminating Cyprus’s energy isolation will improve the quality of life for Cypriots.

The submarine electrical connection is anticipated to be one of the largest power transmission projects in the world. Cyprus will first be connected with Crete, a Greek island. After that connection is built, Israel will be linked in. The project is on track to be completed by the end of 2025.

The Solar Energy For All program assists with the funding necessary to install solar panels. With a budget of more than $35 million, the program will help 6,000 individuals afford the installation. Using solar panels will reduce reliance on imported oil, along with the price of electricity for users.

With both the Great Sea Interconnector and the Solar For All Project, the electrical costs for Cypriots will undoubtedly decrease soon. 

– Sydney Uhl

Sydney is based in Vancouver, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Pathway to Ending Poverty: Renewable Energy in Montenegro

renewable energy montenegroRenewable energy in Montenegro is gaining momentum with the passage of the Renewable Act, which took effect on August 31, 2024. This law aims to expand the use of solar, wind, hydropower and other clean energy sources, lower electricity costs for households and create new jobs in local communities.

EU-Backed Programs

In partnership with Montenegro’s government and Eco Fund and with support from the U.N. Development program, the European Union is funding an Energy Efficiency Incentive Program that focuses on improving renewable energy for not only the lives of day-to-day citizens, but also for the poverty across the country. With the program support, things such as window replacement, thermal insulation, solar panels and energy-efficient heating systems are receiving upgrades to improve not only living standards, but also boost air quality indoors and outdoors, which in turn is helping households cut costs and improve living standards.

More than 2,500 applicants have received approval this year and the number could rise in the next months to come.

Zero Upfront Solar Model

In the process of increasing renewable energy in Montenegro, what sets them apart is not just the number of panels, but the way households have been brought on board. The requirement for large upfront payments for solar systems would have excluded many families and vulnerable groups. Instead, the company EPCG installed photovoltaic systems, which households would repay the cost through monthly instalments alongside their existing electricity bills. Families will end up paying no more than before and, in some cases, less. With the program’s impact, families will be able to avoid energy poverty and stabilize expenses, while the country benefits from reduced emissions.

Montenegro’s Renewables Act

On August 31st, 2024, while bringing the country in line with European Union Energy rules, the government introduced the Renewable Act, aiming to promote the production and use of green energy while implementing the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive. Under this act, renewable facilities may be able to qualify for either a feed-in-tariff or a market premium, with a transitional period before the latter is fully implemented.

Such products will include those generating power from solar, wind, hydropower of up to 10 megawatts from wastewater treatment plants and biogas. By supporting renewable projects, the law will help make renewable energy in Montenegro accessible to cheaper, locally produced electricity.

Over time, this can reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, shielding families from global price spikes. New solar, wind and small hydro projects require installation, maintenance and technical expertise, which could create jobs that benefit local workers, especially in rural and undeveloped areas.

Takeaway

Renewable energy programs in Montenegro and the 2024 Renewable Act are helping households cut energy costs, reduce emissions and create jobs, while making green power accessible to families across the country.

– Joshua Pettis

Joshua is based in Houston, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Electricity in Bolivia is Lifting Rural Communities Out of Poverty

Electricity in BoliviaBolivia, a country with a poverty rate of 36.4% as of 2021, has been experiencing a difficult period regarding its poverty issues. One of the many ways Bolivia has been working to combat this issue is by providing electricity nationwide. In 2023, rural electrical coverage reached 85.1%, meanwhile urban coverage reached 99.3%.

The main goal for the Bolivian government is for the country to get 100% coverage by the end of 2025. Access to electricity benefits those living in poverty by providing a higher quality of life, creating jobs, better access to education and advances in health services.

Electricity Program for Living With Dignity

In 2008, Bolivia launched the Electricity Program for Living With Dignity (PEVD) initiative to expand nationwide access to electricity, focusing on the poorest communities. Rural areas faced the greatest challenges: electricity and food access rates lagged far behind urban centers. According to the WFP, 75% of Bolivian families lack regular access to food. The PEVD program has since made a significant impact in remote and rural regions.

According to the World Bank Group, Bolivia advanced this effort through a series of projects, including an expansion model for a “national decentralized service framework.” Between 2014 and 2019, the government implemented eight grid-extension subprojects with notable outcomes: 4,300 households were connected to the power grid, providing electricity to 20,200 people; 708 kilometers of distribution lines were installed; and training events benefited multiple institutions.

International partners such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) also provided financial support to fund these initiatives. In 2023, the IDB approved a $2 million grant to support the Bolivian program of increasing electricity access in rural areas.

Challenges Ahead

Key challenges remain for Bolivia’s electrification projects, including long-term sustainability and reaching areas still without power. The World Bank plans to train users on efficient and sustainable electricity use to address sustainability. While millions have already been invested in expanding the grid, difficult geography continues to limit access.

As a result, not all Bolivians are yet connected. However, the government aims for full national coverage by the end of the year. Bolivia is exploring renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to complement these efforts, particularly in rural areas where extending the grid remains economically and logistically difficult.

What’s Next?

The main goal for Bolivia is to expand electricity across the country so 100% of the population can access it. This effort helps a large portion of people living in poverty move out of it. Access to electricity brings better health care, technological advances, economic growth and improved education. Bolivia can serve as a blueprint for other developing nations facing similar challenges.

– Pablo Roque

Pablo is based in McAllen, TX, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons