In 2024, Mongolia’s electricity consumption largely relies on fossil fuels, with coal accounting for more than two-thirds of the country's electricity. Fossil energy as a whole forms over 70% of Mongolia's electricity supply. Electricity imports supplement an additional fifth of the total consumption. Clean, low-carbon sources contribute roughly 8% of the electricity, with wind energy making up more than half of that portion and solar a smaller segment. While the reliance on fossil fuels poses challenges for sustainability, the use of renewable sources signals gradual diversification in energy types.

Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Mongolia?

The latest figures indicate that electricity consumption in Mongolia is on a modest uptrend. The current consumption stands at 3036 kWh per person, exceeding the previous record from the year 2023 by 90 kWh. Despite this growth in overall electricity usage, low-carbon electricity generation slightly decreased, with the current figure at 232 kWh per person, compared to its previous record in 2021. This decline of 16 kWh highlights the need for renewed focus on enhancing clean energy development in Mongolia to sustainably meet increasing electricity demands.

Suggestions

Mongolia has opportunities to expand its share of low-carbon electricity generation by looking to regions successfully harnessing wind, solar, and nuclear energy. For example, Iowa and Denmark have achieved significant electricity generation from wind, with figures around 60%. Similarly, sunny regions like Nevada and California generate substantial shares of their electricity from solar. Adopting strategies from these regions could bolster Mongolia’s clean energy sector. Additionally, many countries effectively integrate nuclear energy, like France, where it constitutes 70% of electricity generation. Developing nuclear capacity alongside expanding solar could solidify Mongolia’s low-carbon energy foundation.

History

Examining the history of low-carbon electricity in Mongolia reveals that significant progress began in the early 2010s with wind and solar. Wind energy showed gradual increases starting in 2013, though with sporadic stagnations and a brief decline in 2022. Solar energy began to contribute from 2017, though to a lesser degree. Unfortunately, there has been no recorded development of hydroelectric or nuclear power in recent years. To ensure a resilient and sustainable energy future, Mongolia must strengthen its focus on expanding low-carbon resources, especially solar and nuclear, addressing the urgent call to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimize environmental impact.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade