Speakers

Cristina Efremov is the administrator of the Power Market Operator M Ltd. of Republic of Moldova. OPEM was designated on 21 February 2024 by the Govern of the Republic of Moldova as market operator of the electricity market. OPEM is a subsidiary of the Romanian Electricity and Gas Market Operator “OPCOM” SA of Romania, having the hadquarters in the Republic of Moldova. Through OPEM, she supports the implementation and operation of day-ahead and intraday electricity markets in Moldova, facilitating the country’s integration into the European internal energy market and the development of organized markets for electricity contracts.

In addition, Cristina Efremov, Doctor of Engineering, Associate Professor, Researcher, Coordinator of Erasmus+ International Capacity-Building Projects in Higher Education at the Technical University of Moldova, Republic of Moldova, as well as at Dong Nai Technology University, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam and The Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.

Beyond her leadership, Dr. Efremov plays a key role in the national energy and construction sectors of Moldova. She presides over two Technical Committees for Technical Standardization in Construction within the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development: “Energy Efficiency of Buildings and Constructions” and “Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems”. She also serves as a member of the Romanian National Committee Association – CIGRE, and is part of the University Senate at the Technical University of Moldova, the institution’s highest collective governing body.

Recently, Dr. Efremov received an award at the Champions of Change 2024 Gala recognizing her contributions to renewable energy and research. Described by the organizers as “a shining temple of innovation and academic excellence”, she dedicated her acceptance speech to the value of global collaboration in education, science, and research as drivers of growth and sustainability.

Her academic achievements include four books, over 50 scientific articles in national and international journals (including ISI-Q1 journals with impact factors of 8.1, 6.9, 6.4, and 3.252), and an international invention patent registered with the UK Design Office. She has also authored national standards and regulations for heat supply, energy efficiency, and environmental protection in Moldova.

Through her combined work in energy systems, electricity market operation, industrial and product design, and circular economy education, Dr. Efremov contributes to advancing the transition to green energy and embedding sustainability into future-oriented education, research and energy market reforms for EU integration.