As of the year 2023, the state of electricity consumption in Mongolia primarily relies on fossil fuels, specifically coal, contributing to the total electricity generation of 7.51 terawatt-hours (TWh). The implication of such a heavy dependence on fossil energy resources contribute to Mongolia's per capita electricity consumption being well below the global average of 410 watts per person. This disparity can affect various sectors including industrial processes, affecting economic performance, and thus underscores the need for Mongolia to explore and increase low-carbon electricity generation to meet the growing demand and transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy sector.
Based on successful low-carbon energy implementations in other countries, Mongolia can take cue and tap into its substantial wind and solar potentials. For instance, the People's Republic of China's overwhelming wind power generation of 964 TWh and sun-drenched regions producing 523 TWh of solar power, serve as compelling models. Additionally, the United States nuclear generation of 775 TWh also presents a viable pathway. While Mongolia's geographical and weather conditions differ from those countries, the examples nonetheless demonstrate the potential of increasing low-carbon power sources. Building strong partnerships with these countries could aid Mongolia in growing its low-carbon energy base and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.
Despite the currently low levels of low-carbon energy generation, Mongolia's history shows a gradual increase in the sector. Over the past few decades, Mongolia has slowly but steadily been making inroads into solar and wind-generated power. The year 2008 marked the start with no reported solar power generation, which was echoed by hydroelectric power generation until 2010. However, from 2013 onwards, wind energy began to appear in the energy mix with a modest 0.1 TWh, a figure that has seen minor fluctuations with a notable increase to 0.3 TWh in 2023. While solar power has yet to gain traction, the increasing trend in wind power is a promising sign for the future of Mongolia's low-carbon electricity generation.