Mongolia is making significant advancements in renewable energy, with the government recently approving a large-scale project designed to export clean energy to Gulf countries. This initiative is part of a broader effort to transform Mongolia into a major exporter of renewable energy, leveraging its abundant solar and wind resources.
Mongolia Renewable Energy Exports: Large-Scale Solar and Wind Projects
The Mongolian government has approved a project to build a 2,000 MW solar and wind power plant in the southern part of the country. This ambitious project, a collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will feature a 1,000 MW solar power plant and a 1,000 MW wind power plant. The completion of this project is slated for 2030, with the electricity set to be exported to Gulf countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
In addition to the solar and wind power plants, the project includes the construction of a 500 kV power transmission line to connect Mongolia’s grid to the Gulf countries. This transmission line will be one of the longest in the world, extending over 3,000 kilometers.
The impact on Mongolia’s economy is projected to be substantial. In addition to creating thousands of jobs, it is expected to generate over $1 billion in annual revenue. For more on Mongolia’s solar energy ambitions, visit Mongolia’s Ambitions to Rise in Solar Energy.
Mongolia Renewable Energy Exports: Aiming to Become a Regional Hub
Mongolia’s push to become a renewable energy powerhouse is part of a broader strategy to diversify its economy, traditionally reliant on mining. The country boasts one of the world’s highest levels of solar potential, with an average of 270 sunny days per year, and vast wind resources, particularly in the Gobi Desert.
In recent years, Mongolia has made significant strides in developing its renewable energy sector. The country currently has over 300 MW of installed solar and wind capacity, with plans to increase this to 3,000 MW by 2030. The government has set a target of generating 30% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, up from the current level of 7%.
Mongolia’s renewable energy potential has caught the attention of international investors. Alongside the UAE, countries such as Japan and South Korea have shown interest in investing in Mongolia’s renewable energy sector. The World Bank recently approved a $100 million loan to help Mongolia develop its renewable energy infrastructure. For a deeper dive into these discussions, check out Renewable Energy Mongolia: 5 Powerful Steps for Sustainable Growth.
The Gobi Desert’s Role in Mongolia Renewable Energy Exports
The Gobi Desert, covering much of southern Mongolia, is a pivotal area for the country’s renewable energy development. Its vast open spaces and strong winds make it an ideal location for large-scale wind farms, while its high sunlight levels are perfect for solar power plants.
Several large-scale renewable energy projects are already underway in the Gobi Desert. The Tsetsii wind farm, with a capacity of 50 MW, was completed in 2017, and the Sainshand wind farm, with a capacity of 55 MW, followed in 2018. A 30 MW solar power plant was also completed in the Gobi Desert in 2019.
These projects mark just the beginning. The Mongolian government has ambitious plans to further develop the Gobi Desert’s renewable energy potential, with several additional wind and solar projects in the pipeline.
Overcoming Challenges in Mongolia Renewable Energy Exports
While Mongolia’s renewable energy sector has made significant progress, it still faces several challenges. A major obstacle is the country’s limited power grid infrastructure, which is not yet capable of handling large amounts of renewable energy.
To address this, the government is working to upgrade and expand the country’s power grid. The construction of the 500 kV transmission line to the Gulf countries is a key part of this effort, facilitating not only the export of renewable energy but also the stabilization of the country’s power grid.
Another challenge is the limited domestic demand for renewable energy. Mongolia’s small population and relatively low energy consumption mean that much of the renewable energy generated will need to be exported.
Despite these challenges, Mongolia’s renewable energy sector is poised for significant growth in the coming years. The country’s abundant solar and wind resources, combined with its strategic location between China and Russia, position it as an ideal candidate to become a major exporter of renewable energy.
Mongolia’s renewable energy projects are already making a positive impact on the country’s economy and environment. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, these projects are creating jobs and generating revenue for the government.
As Mongolia continues to develop its renewable energy sector, it has the potential to become a global leader in clean energy and a key player in the international energy market.