On September 23-24, 2024, Î.M. Zernoff S.R.L., part of Verum Group, hosted the visit of an important Japanese delegation as part of the implementation of the energy efficiency project carried out with the support of the Japanese Government, in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Moldova. This project is the result of a bilateral agreement signed in September 2022 between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of Japan, under the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), aimed at promoting green technologies, reducing carbon emissions, and minimizing Moldova's dependence on electricity and natural gas imports.

"This energy efficiency project represents much more than just an investment in technology – it is a direct investment in our community's future. The implementation of innovative technologies in the renewable energy sector is essential for achieving Verum Group's strategic objectives, thus integrating us into the concept of a circular economy. It is a concrete step towards a stronger, greener, and more energy-independent Moldova," stated Denis Cibizov, founder of Verum Group, during the meeting.

The project developed by Î.M. Zernoff S.R.L. began in September 2023 with a feasibility study on reducing carbon emissions by utilizing residues from ethanol production. This process, developed in collaboration with SDG Impact Japan, marked a crucial step in harnessing renewable resources and promoting sustainability in Moldova.

"With the strong support of the business community, we are transforming Zernoff's potential into a benchmark model for the efficient use of local resources, thus reducing the carbon footprint and protecting the environment. We are proud of this collaboration with our Japanese partners, which allows us to turn industrial waste into a source of green energy," stated Robert Claicnet, General Director of Zernoff.

In order to assess the technical progress and the potential for implementing Japanese technologies at Î.M. Zernoff S.R.L., the hosts and their guests held discussions regarding the site and equipment for the construction of the plant, the technological process of biogas production, the necessary licenses for project implementation, and more. The next steps will include the full implementation of the biogas plant and its integration into the local energy grid.

"We chose Zernoff because it is one of the top companies in Moldova and a trusted partner. Here, there are people with firm ambitions to reduce the carbon footprint and promote a clean economy, and we want to cooperate with them to create a sustainable communal future for both the Republic of Moldova and Japan," stated Nagayuki Kurita, Managing Partner at SDG Impact Japan.

The Japanese delegation included representatives from prestigious organizations, including SDG Impact Japan, TOYO Energy Solution, NTEC Industries, as well as officials from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan (METI), and the Ministry of the Environment of Japan.

About Zernoff:  Î.M. Zernoff S.R.L., part of VERUM GROUP, is the largest ethanol producer in the Republic of Moldova and one of the largest in the Black Sea region. The company processes over 100,000 tons of grain annually, using environmentally friendly technologies to produce ethanol, DDGS, and CO2. Its products are certified according to international standards, including ISO and ISCC, and are exported to 16 countries in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Î.M. Zernoff S.R.L. was founded in 2001, has a turnover of 603 million lei, employs 189 people, and is one of the largest taxpayers in the Republic of Moldova.

About VERUM GROUP: Verum Group is one of the top three producers and exporters in the agro-industrial sector of the Republic of Moldova. With a solid 23 years of experience, Verum Group manages a fully integrated value chain, covering all stages from cultivating agricultural land and raising livestock to transforming raw materials into high-added-value products and top-quality food. The group operates ten modern production units and manages 10,000 hectares of agricultural land, employing over 1,700 people who actively contribute to the country’s economic development. By exporting over 150,000 tons of agricultural and industrial commodities to 20 countries, Verum Group strengthens its presence and impact on international markets, becoming a reference supplier for food producers in Europe and the Middle East.

About JCM: The Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) has been established between the Government of Japan and partner countries in accordance with Paris agreement with the goal of promoting decarbonizing technologies and contributing to the sustainable development of partner countries. The Government of Japan has signed bilateral agreements under JCM with 29 countries, including the Republic of Moldova. Eligible projects under JCM include those related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste management, and the F-gas recovery and destruction.