Chingeltei District and UNDP Join Forces for Cleaner Air and Solar Energy Solutions
February 3, 2025

Ulaanbaatar, 3 February 2025 – The Chingeltei District of Ulaanbaatar and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Mongolia have launched the Solar Facility Project, a new initiative to reduce air pollution and accelerate Mongolia’s transition to clean energy. The project will introduce solar-powered heating solutions to ger households, replacing coal—the main source of pollution in Ulaanbaatar—and aiming to contribute reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Air pollution in Ulaanbaatar is a severe challenge, with coal burning in ger districts contributing to nearly 60% of PM2.5 emissions. Air pollution-related illnesses cause over 7,100 deaths annually, with economic losses reaching 10% of Mongolia’s GDP. The problem is exacerbated by rapid urbanization, extreme winters, and coal subsidies that keep fossil fuels as the cheapest option.
The Solar Facility Project builds on UNDP’s 2024 pilot, which tested solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery storage, and electric heaters with heat storage for households, implemented in partnership with the Government of France, Ulaanbaatar City, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, URECA LLC, and Ger Hub NGO. The new initiative scales up this approach, using a modular, phased rollout, starting with 100 households in Chingeltei District in a more advanced solution with plans to expand to up to 1,000 households over four years. The digital (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) MRV with Smart meters will monitor the carbon emission reductions, allowing emission savings to be converted into carbon credits, which can attract investment and reduce financial risks for renewable energy.
This initiative also aims to unlock investment in Mongolia’s solar infrastructure, blending public and private financing to create an affordable energy model. The project will assess the financial viability of solar PV solutions by exploring various potential revenue streams, including electricity sales, repurposed coal subsidies, and income from carbon credits. Beyond installation, it will address social and behavioral barriers by promoting awareness, ensuring policy support, and providing financial incentives to help communities embrace solar energy.
A special focus will be placed on women’s empowerment, offering training and employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector. The first phase will prioritize areas and households covered by Ulaanbaatar’s no-chimney policy.
The Solar Facility Project builds on UNDP’s 2024 pilot, which tested solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery storage, and electric heaters with heat storage for households, implemented in partnership with the Government of France, Ulaanbaatar City, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, URECA LLC, and Ger Hub NGO. The new initiative scales up this approach, using a modular, phased rollout, starting with 100 households in Chingeltei District in a more advanced solution with plans to expand to up to 1,000 households over four years. The digital (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) MRV with Smart meters will monitor the carbon emission reductions, allowing emission savings to be converted into carbon credits, which can attract investment and reduce financial risks for renewable energy.
This initiative also aims to unlock investment in Mongolia’s solar infrastructure, blending public and private financing to create an affordable energy model. The project will assess the financial viability of solar PV solutions by exploring various potential revenue streams, including electricity sales, repurposed coal subsidies, and income from carbon credits. Beyond installation, it will address social and behavioral barriers by promoting awareness, ensuring policy support, and providing financial incentives to help communities embrace solar energy.
A special focus will be placed on women’s empowerment, offering training and employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector. The first phase will prioritize areas and households covered by Ulaanbaatar’s no-chimney policy.
Governor Manduul Nyamandeleg of Chingeltei District emphasized the urgency of the transition and stated , "Our residents deserve clean air and affordable energy. We are pleased to champion such a solution that offers a practical, long-term pathways to improve health, reduce costs, and support clean energy transition of Ulaanbaatar."
UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia Ms. Matilda Dimovska highlighted the initiative’s role in driving systemic change and stated, "A just energy transition requires cooperation at all levels. With innovation, investment, and commitment, Mongolia has the potential to move away from coal dependency while ensuring that no one is left behind in the country’s development."
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For further inquiries:
Erdenesukh Otgonbayar | Communications Analyst | UNDP in Mongolia | erdenesukh.otgonbayar@undp.org
