LocationsUNDP launches first national level study on “Empowering Vulnerable Households to Access Affordable and Clean Energy in Mongolia”
September 18, 2025
Ulaanbaatar, 18 September 2025 – UN Development Programme in Mongolia (UNDP) launched “Empowering Vulnerable Households to Access Affordable and Clean Energy” study report under the UN Joint Programme “Acceleration of Just Energy Transition (JET) in Mongolia,” funded by the Joint SDG Fund. The report, co-funded by UNDP and the World Bank, explores policy pathways to facilitate a just, inclusive, and people-centered clean energy transition in Mongolia.
During the launch event, key representatives from government agencies, civil society, academia, the private sector and community representatives discussed the findings of the report and engaged in a multi stakeholder discussion on the opportunities and challenges of a just and inclusive energy transition in Mongolia.
Drawing on household surveys conducted with more than 1,500 families across 21 provinces and nine districts of Ulaanbaatar, the study reveals that low-income households spend an average of 26.7 percent of their monthly income on energy during the winter months—more than four times the burden faced by higher income families. Families with many children, single elderly individuals, and households with members with disabilities face the most severe barriers in heating their homes.
Mr. Enkhtuvshin. G, Director of Strategy and Planning Division of Policy and Planning Department at the Ministry of Energy, highlighted that “This timely report will support us in making Mongolia’s energy transition inclusive while advancing our long-term commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, the Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy, and Vision 2050.”
Mr. Enkhtuvshin. G, Director of Strategy and Planning Division of Policy and Planning Department at the Ministry of Energy
The study highlights three priorities for a just and inclusive energy transition in Mongolia: develop an integrated social protection policy for vulnerable households, expand green financing to make clean energy and insulation affordable, and improve transparency and citizen participation in energy reforms.
Ms. Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia, emphasized that “Reforms in the energy sector are vital for Mongolia’s future, but they need to ensure that those already struggling to heat their homes and care for their families are not left behind. Our aim is to ensure that every step toward clean energy is also a step toward fairness and opportunity for all.”
Ms. Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia
The report also highlights some promising opportunities for progress. For instance, households that have adopted alternatives such as heat pumps, floor heating, or improved insulation report significant gains in comfort and efficiency. With the right combination of financial incentives, awareness campaigns, and community-level initiatives, these solutions could be scaled up to benefit thousands more families.
For more information, please contact:
Erdenesukh Otgonbayar | Communications Analyst | UNDP Mongolia | erdenesukh.otgonbayar@undp.org
About the Joint SDG Fund
The Joint SDG Fund offers United Nations Country Teams a unique opportunity to launch collaborative initiatives, promote integrated approaches, and channel strategic investments to accelerate the SDGs and, ultimately, lead to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. The Joint SDG Fund supports countries to accelerate their progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to deliver on the commitment of the 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind.
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.
