Research on Energy and High-Value Forest Plantations for SME Business Models in Moldova

Specific Objectives and Scope 

• The main purpose of this activity is to assess energy plantations as a sustainable business activity, particularly for solid biomass fuel production, and to explore the potential of high value-added forestry plantations as a new business model for SMEs’ activity.
• This initiative aims to support Moldovan SMEs’ green transition and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The research will focus on evaluating the business viability and sustainability of energy plantations, building on past and current investments and projects in the sector, and exploring the new high value-added forest plantations related business models. Furthermore, the activity will examine the potential for public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract investments in these emerging sectors.
• The results of the study will serve as a foundation for developing effective business mechanisms that can be replicated and scaled up, with the support of UNDP Moldova, by the private sector and/or in partnership with the public sector.
• The result of the research will be a comprehensive study, which must include the following domains:
  • Energy Plantations and Biomass Sector Analysis
    • Analysis of previous and current investments in biomass and energy plantations projects in Moldova, including those funded by international development partners (EU, EBRD, USAID, etc.), to identify lessons learned, business sustainability, bottlenecks, gaps and best practices.
    • Assessment of existing energy plantations mechanisms and their accessibility for businesses, public institutions, and individuals.
    • Evaluation of the economic viability of establishing energy plantations, taking into account factors such as market demand for biomass fuel, cost-effectiveness, success criteria and bottlenecks.
  • High value-added forest plantations economic viability:
    • Examination of high value-added forest plantations on private and/or public land as a sustainable business model for local energy production and management, with a particular focus on establishing economic, social, and environmental value in communities.
    • Description of 2-3 business models based on high value-added forest plantations, including the cost-benefits analysis, technical and resources requirements, legal framework etc.
  • Policy Alignment and Stakeholder Engagement:
    • Policy Framework Review: Review of relevant national policies to ensure that proposed high value-added forest plantations initiatives are aligned with Moldova’s green transition objectives and legal framework.
    • Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Exploration of the potential for PPPs in the biomass sector, high value-added forestry sector, focusing on how these partnerships can be structured to attract investment, support technological innovation, and ensure the long-term sustainability of energy plantations and/or high –value-added forest plantations.
    • Private Sector Investment Opportunities: Identification of specific mechanisms for private sector involvement, including incentives for investment, technology transfer, and knowledge exchange.
    • Incentives and Enabling Policies for Public Sector Participation: Analyze incentives and policies that encourage Local Public Authorities (LPAs) to provide land for energy plantations and high value-added forest plantations. Assess the Ministry of Environment’s role in facilitating these measures and ensuring alignment with national green transition goals. Recommendations for incentivizing high value-added forest plantations investments through policy, fiscal measures, and public partnerships, national financial programs and projects
• The final output of this activity will be a comprehensive analysis and study report detailing findings, recommendations, and an action plan for advancing energy plantations and/or high value-added forest plantations as sustainable business models in Moldova. This will include specific steps for promoting private investment, ensuring policy alignment, and driving the development of these emerging sectors.

Timeframe 

• The assignment is expected to be implemented in a timeframe of 4 months, during April 2025 – July 2025, after the signing of the contract.

Qualifications and Skills Requirements 

• The bidder shall provide sound argumentation of the proposal by demonstrating compliance with the ToR and the environment in which it will provide the services. The bidder shall include information on the volume of allocated resources to carry out the assignment.
• A breakdown per working days allocated for each deliverable shall be submitted, clearly explaining the role of the team members involved in producing the deliverable. In this context, the Service Provider shall ensure a clear presentation of distribution of tasks and allocation of working days deemed necessary for engagement of Key staff to be engaged for the fieldwork.
• The proposed team should consist of but not be limited to the following members:
  • Project/Task Manager
  • Lead Expert
• Bidders should enclose a résumé for each person anticipated to be assigned to the project and should include specific information on the experience and roles.
• Only Key staff will be subject to Technical evaluation.
• Bidders agree that the Key staff included in the bid will participate in the project at the level and duration specified unless an agreement is provided in writing by the UNDP Project Team to allow substitutions.
• The résumés submitted for the Key project personnel should be detailed and comprehensive.
• Specifically, résumés should include:
  • Anticipated role and level of participation in the project;
  • Previous experience relevant to the assigned role in the project;
  • Education, training and certification details;
  • Contact information (name, title, organization, mailing address, phone, and email) of a minimum of three business references;
  • Linguistic skills.
• Bidders should describe, in detail, their previous corporate experience in similar assignments, if any. This section should include the corporate experience as well as the role of any subcontracted organization(s) indicated in the Bidder’s proposal. Descriptions of subcontractor’s staff members, if applicable, should follow the format utilized for the Bidder organization.
• During the assignment, the Service Provider’s team of experts should prove commitment to the core values of the United Nations, in particular, respecting differences of culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, language, age, HIV status, disability, and sexual orientation, or other status.
• Bidders agree that experts will provide high quality outputs and expertise and participate in the project at the level and duration specified. Should any changes be necessary in this regard, a formal request for the agreement of the Green Transition Project team to allow substitutions shall be submitted.
• UNDP may at any time request the withdrawal or replacement of any of the Service Provider personnel should non-performance happen. Replacement will be at the Service Provider expense.
  • Required qualifications of the Service Provider:
    • A track record of at least three (3) similar successfully completed projects/assignments, preferably in Eastern Europe, Moldova, or similar emerging markets
    • Have at least 3 (three) years of proven experience in conducting research, assessments, and feasibility studies preferably in the fields of biomass energy, energy plantations, forestry economics, and sustainable resource management
    • Experience in developing recommendations for public-private partnerships (PPPs) and incentive mechanisms for private investment in the forestry and biomass sectors, at least 3 projects
    • Previous proven experience of working with UNDP and other international development partners and capacity to properly manage a contract under a donor funded effort is an advantage
  • Criteria for the evaluation of the management structure and key personnel:
    • Project Manager:
      • University degree in sociology, statistics, mathematics, business, economics, information technology, psychology or another study related field;
      • At least 3 (three) years of progressive experience in planning, organizing and supervising/leading comprehensive surveys, market study and other related quantitative research;
      • Experience as Project/Task Manager in at least 2 (two) similar projects/activities;
      • Have an advanced understanding, extensive knowledge, and at least three years of experience in developing and/or working with high value-added forest plantations and/or energy plantation projects Proficiency in Romanian and English languages. Russian shall be an advantage.
    • Lead Expert:
      • University degree in sociology, statistics, mathematics, business, economics, psychology, information technology or another related field;
      • At least 2 (two) years of experience in conducting analytical, market research, sociological surveys, data analysis, market study design and implementation;
      • At least 2 records of experience in the area of MSMEs financing, MSMEs activity, business model development or related;
      • Have an advanced understanding, extensive knowledge, and at least two years of experience in developing and/or working with high value-added forest plantations and/or energy plantation projects Proficiency in Romanian and English languages. Russian shall be an advantage.

For more information, visit UNDP.