Electricity in Mongolia in 2023

In 2023, Mongolia's electricity consumption heavily relies on fossil fuels, particularly coal, which accounts for almost 7 TWh of the total 7.23 TWh generated from fossil sources. Additionally, net imports contribute about 1.84 TWh. This demonstrates a limited reliance on clean energy technologies within the country. When comparing this to the global average electricity consumption of 432 watts per person, Mongolia's overall level is considerably lower, implying potential issues such as restricted industrial growth, limited improvements in quality of life, and challenges in meeting future energy demands without exacerbating environmental impacts like air pollution and climate change.

Suggestions

To address these challenges, Mongolia can look to increase its low-carbon electricity generation by learning from other successful countries. China’s advancement in wind and solar power, generating 886 TWh and 584 TWh respectively, shows a significant commitment to clean energy. Likewise, the emphasis on nuclear power in the United States (775 TWh) and France (336 TWh) demonstrates reliable and large-scale low-carbon electricity production. Mongolia can adopt a similar multi-faceted approach by harnessing its natural potential for wind and solar power, which have seen success in regions with similar geographic and climatic conditions. Additionally, considering the construction of nuclear facilities could provide a consistent and substantial source of low-carbon energy.

History

Historically, Mongolia has seen minimal advancements in low-carbon electricity generation. Initial efforts since 2009 have primarily focused on hydroelectric power, albeit with negligible output. The first minor contribution from wind energy appeared in 2014 with 0.1 TWh, followed by incremental increases in 2018 (0.2 TWh) and 2019 (0.2 TWh). Solar power contributions began similarly modestly from 2017 onwards, reaching a small addition of 0.1 TWh in 2019. While these steps are a start, the stagnation in hydro and inconsistent growth in wind and solar highlight a need for a more proactive approach to scaling up sustainable electricity production in the future. This historical context underlines the urgency for Mongolia to adopt robust strategies in expanding its low-carbon footprint.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources