Mongolia has been named a ‘solar energy paradise’; however, despite the bright sunny days, the country produces only 2-3% of its energy needs from renewable resources. Coal currently accounts for 73 percent of total national energy consumption. The 2015 Paris Agreement sent a clear signal that the era of fossil fuels — in particular coal — is coming to an end. Around the world, evidence grows that the coal industry is in a steep and irreversible decline – with the possible exception of the USA, where President Trump wants to revive coal production and reverse the green approach of the Obama years.  Over 150 countries, however, are still united in the agreement for green energy including Mongolia.

Mongolia is planning to increase energy production from renewable resources to 30% by 2030 according to Energy Minister P.Gankhuu. The minister was among the delegates from 150 countries at the VII forum of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which was held in Abu Dhabi from 16^th to 19^th of January.  One of the biggest outcomes of the forum was evidence to indicate that the costs for solar energy will continue to fall over the coming years by an estimated 43% by 2025, making it 65% cheaper than conventional power generation.