Electricity in Mongolia in 2023/2024

In the 12 months from November 2023 to October 2024, Mongolia's electricity consumption was predominantly dependent on fossil fuels, with coal making up a substantial portion of this category at about 91%. This leaves a small fraction, just over 9%, of Mongolia's electricity being generated from low-carbon sources, specifically wind energy. This disparity indicates a significant reliance on coal and highlights the need for Mongolia to diversify its energy sources by increasing its low-carbon electricity generation to mitigate the negative impacts of fossil fuels, which include climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Mongolia can look to other countries that have successfully adopted clean energy strategies. For instance, Denmark has prominently maximized its wind capacity, generating nearly 60% of its electricity from wind. Mongolia, with its vast open landscapes, can consider similar investments in wind energy infrastructure. Moreover, nuclear energy has proven to be an effective low-carbon energy source in countries like France, where it accounts for 68% of electricity generation. Estonia and Armenia also provide valuable insights, with wind and nuclear each making up about one-fifth and 30% of their electricity, respectively. By adopting diversified low-carbon strategies, including wind and potentially exploring nuclear, Mongolia can reduce its heavy coal dependency.

History

Historically, Mongolia has seen limited growth in low-carbon electricity generation. In the early 2010s, developments were modest, with no significant changes in hydroelectric power. However, starting in 2014, Mongolia began incorporating wind energy into its grid, achieving small but steady increases over the years. By 2018, solar energy made a debut with a minor addition to the grid, although both wind and solar continued to grow at a slow pace. After a brief stagnation in wind energy from 2022, it saw a slight upturn in 2024. This progress, though incremental, highlights Mongolia's initial steps towards a more sustainable energy mix, with room for expedited growth in low-carbon sources such as wind, solar, and possibly nuclear, to achieve more significant reductions in fossil fuel reliance.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources