Cold Mongolian Winter Strains Outdated Power Infrastructure

In the heart of Central Asia, Mongolia is grappling with a pressing issue: air pollution caused by the burning of coal briquettes in traditional nomadic dwellings known as gers. Nearly half of the residents in the capital of Ulaanbataar live in ger areas, where houses and other buildings are not connected to the central heating system. This situation results in severe air pollution, among the worst globally during winter, with one in 10 deaths in the city attributed to air pollution from coal burning, according to the World Bank.

Mongolia's gross domestic product per capita is close to $7,000, indicating a developing economy. However, the lack of domestic investment and the global ban on funding coal-fired power plants abroad has left hundreds of thousands of households without access to modern housing. In such situations, longer transition periods are essential to facilitate the adoption of new technologies.

The current US policy does not strongly promote coal exports; instead, the US is more focused on renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The Trump administration's decision to promote the export of coal from the U.S. and allow government institutions to finance technology exports for coal-fired power plants overseas offers a timely opportunity for countries like Mongolia.

However, exceptions should be made for developmental reasons. If local construction is feasible, carefully monitored and certified, exemptions from requirements for building abroad should be allowed. In situations where the transition to renewable energy is technically infeasible or financially unsustainable for developing countries, exceptions should be made for financial and technical reasons, even for the most ambitious policies.

Mongolia urgently needs to construct new municipal power plants to reduce air pollution, deaths, and health hazards. Building more apartments and houses with modern heating supply is also crucial. The country's push towards cleaner energy sources is not only a matter of health and safety but also a step towards a more sustainable future.

Over 200,000 households in provincial centers live in dwellings without heating connections, relying on localized coal burning. This underscores the urgency of finding solutions that balance the need for economic development with the need to protect public health and the environment.

As Mongolia navigates this complex challenge, the international community can play a role in supporting the country's transition to cleaner energy. This could involve providing financial assistance, sharing technological know-how, and fostering partnerships that help Mongolia move towards a more sustainable future.