Adrian CIOBANU (Mayor of Cordun, Neamț) and Ion ȘTEFANOVICI (CAPDR), in dialogue at FERM 2025: “We are ready to welcome serious investors. We have land, infrastructure, and vision”

As part of the Panel 3 – Moldova’s Positioning in the Romania–China Economic Partnership, held at the Regional Economic Forum Moldova 2025, a focused dialogue on energy took place between Adrian Ciobanu, mayor of Cordun commune, and Ion Ștefanovici, president of CAPDR.

The intervention highlighted the ability of a commune from Neamț County to become a key point in the regional energy transition.

Cordun – a hub for energy production and storage

Spontaneously invited into the dialogue by the panel moderator, Ion Ștefanovici, Mayor Adrian Ciobanu clearly outlined the concrete steps already taken to transform Cordun into a strategic energy node.

“Recently, we’ve issued several urban planning certificates for electric energy storage. We are an energy node, near the city of Roman, with a 400 kV station and a 110 kV one. Many parties interested in energy storage have already approached us.”

The mayor explained that these projects aim at balancing the national energy grids, as well as smart local consumption, especially for the industries already operating in the area.

Local production from biogas and photovoltaics

Cordun already hosts operational investments in renewable energy. Among the examples presented:

• Genesis Biopartner – produces electricity from biodegradable waste, through two cogeneration engines of 1.5 MW each.

• Soceram – owns a 2.4 MW photovoltaic park, used entirely for its own production line.

• Petra Pavaje – consumes locally produced energy from its own photovoltaic sources.

“Cordun’s industry has adapted. Most companies here produce electricity from solar and biodegradable sources. It’s a clear start toward sustainability,” highlighted Adrian Ciobanu.

Available land and fast-track procedures for investors

One of the key messages delivered by the mayor was the full openness of the local administration to investors and the ability to authorize swiftly.

“We’re preparing several hundred hectares to be included in the urban area, with the purpose of economic development. We can issue a building permit in two–three months. We move fast.”

The mayor emphasized that support from the local administration is essential for sustainable development.

“I believe in local economic development as the key to community success. And I believe administrations should be proactive, not passive.”

Ion Ștefanovici: “We need local leaders who raise the bar”

In response, Ion Ștefanovici, president of the Center for Regional Development Planning (CAPDR), praised Mayor Ciobanu’s approach, calling it exemplary.

“Mr. Ciobanu isn’t going around begging at the Government or County Council. He comes with land, with infrastructure, with openness. This is what modern administration means – one that understands the economy.”

Ștefanovici pointed out the different way international investors, especially from Asia, assess opportunities.

“We must clearly map out opportunities. The Chinese don’t come for small projects. At their scale, they only see large, coherent projects with clear benefits. We need to raise the bar!”

Conclusion: Cordun – a model of local administration prepared for the energy transition

Mayor Adrian Ciobanu’s intervention at FERM 2025 proved that the region’s energy future can start with well-organized local communities, with vision, infrastructure, and openness to strategic partnerships. Cordun not only has resources and favorable positioning, but also an administration capable of turning opportunities into real investments.