Pathways for Mongolia’s Just Energy Transition www.jointsdgfund.org
UNDP Mongolia hosted a roundtable discussion under the theme “Just Energy Transition in Mongolia: Progress and Way Forward” to share key lessons from its renewable energy pilot projects and explore strategies to scale up clean energy solutions. The event, held in observance of the International Day of Clean Energy (26 January), also highlighted the importance of expanding decentralized renewable energy systems by improving accessibility and cost efficiency, as well as addressing the critical need for policy support to foster investment in scaling up the solutions.
In 2024, 69 households in Ulaanbaatar and Erdenet adopted solar PV-powered heating systems, providing a sustainable alternative to coal. This initiative improved air quality, supported vulnerable families, and served as a model for creating cleaner, healthier communities. The project was implemented in collaboration with the Government of France, Ulaanbaatar City, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, URECA LLC, and Ger Hub NGO.
Globally, renewable energy is gaining unprecedented momentum. In 2023, renewable sources accounted for 30% of global electricity generation. Global energy investment is expected to exceed USD 3 trillion in 2024, with USD 2 trillion going to clean energy technologies and infrastructure. During COP28, world leaders committed to tripling installed renewable energy capacity by 2030, signalling the urgency of an accelerated energy transition.
Mongolia is also working to align with this global momentum. It aims to increase renewable energy capacity to 30% of its total installed capacity by 2030. As of 2023, renewable energy accounts for 18.3% of Mongolia’s installed capacity and 9.1% of its electricity production.
UNDP is providing strategic support to Mongolia in advancing just energy transition. Through its 2024 National Human Development Paper, 'A Just Energy Transition for Human Development in Mongolia,' UNDP highlights the challenges posed by Mongolia's coal-dependent economy and advocates for a people-centered transition that meets the needs of current and future generations. UNDP is also leading a UN Joint Programme, funded by the Joint SDG Fund and implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, to accelerate a green and inclusive energy shift.
“Addressing air pollution requires innovative and scalable solutions. Renewable energy systems pave the way for cleaner air, energy security, and improved quality of life,” said Mr. Byambajav Z., Deputy Governor of Chingeltei District. “Together with UNDP, we aim to expand renewable energy solutions to more households in our district.”
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Mongolia Ms. Lin Cao stated, “A just energy transition presents Mongolia with a transformative opportunity to reduce pollution, drive green economic growth, strengthen communities, and promote social equity. By fostering a supportive environment for renewable energy, it can also attract significant investment and accelerate sustainable development.”
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
Published Date:2025-01-31