Deadline: 14-Jan-2026
The UNDP Mongolia Solar Heating Project is a strategic initiative to transition 450 households in Ulaanbaatar’s Chingeltei District from coal-based heating to solar-powered systems. Running from 2025 to 2027, the project combines infrastructure upgrades with capacity building and thermal insulation to reduce air pollution and support vulnerable populations.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is implementing a large-scale project to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of coal dependency in Mongolia. By targeting the “Ger” districts, this initiative introduces sustainable solar photovoltaic (PV) heating solutions and energy-efficient insulation to improve air quality and household livelihoods.
Why It Matters: Addressing the Air Quality Crisis
Ulaanbaatar faces extreme public health challenges due to heavy coal use for heating during long winters.
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Public Health: Air pollution is a leading cause of premature death and respiratory illness in Mongolia.
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Environmental Impact: Transitioning to renewable energy directly reduces carbon emissions and supports climate resilience.
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Social Equity: The project focuses on vulnerable groups, ensuring that renewable energy is accessible to those who need it most.
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Economic Benefit: Solar-based alternatives reduce long-term heating costs compared to coal or inefficient electric heaters.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility for the households and the supporting organization is strictly defined.
1. For Implementing Organizations
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Status: Must be a registered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).
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Compliance: Must meet UNDP Qualification Requirements as per the NGO Request for Information (RFI) framework.
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Experience: Preference for organizations with a track record in renewable energy, community mobilization, or environmental advocacy in Mongolia.
2. For Participating Households (The 450 Target)
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Location: Residents of the Chingeltei District, Ulaanbaatar.
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Current Status: Households currently relying on coal-burning stoves or inefficient electric heating.
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Priority Groups: Elderly residents, female-headed households, and families with members living with disabilities.
Project Timeline and Milestones
The project is divided into phases to ensure a transparent selection and implementation process:
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2025 – Early 2026: Public awareness and initial application collection.
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May 2026: First phase confirmation of 260 households.
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October 2026: Second phase confirmation of an additional 190 households.
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2026 – 2027: Comprehensive capacity-building training and technical support.
How it Works: Step-by-Step Implementation
The UNDP project follows a rigorous five-step process to ensure transparency and technical success.
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Public Dissemination: Widespread information campaigns in the Chingeltei District to announce the project and application details.
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Application and Screening: Collection of household data followed by screening against socioeconomic and technical criteria.
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Onsite Inspections: Technical teams verify the structural suitability of the gers and houses for solar installation.
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Formalization: Execution of Tripartite Agreements between the household, the UNDP, and the local district authority.
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Installation and Training: Deployment of solar PV systems accompanied by hands-on training for residents on operation and safety.
Key Concept: Thermal Insulation Improvements
Transitioning to solar power is only effective if heat loss is minimized. The project prioritizes Thermal Efficiency through:
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Door Insulation: Reducing drafts at the entry point.
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Toono (Roof Opening): Enhancing the seal around the upper ventilation point.
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Lower Sections: Improving the insulation at the base of the ger where cold air frequently enters.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Inaccurate Technical Assessment: Organizations must ensure onsite inspections are thorough; solar PV systems require specific orientation and structural support.
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Excluding Training: The technology is only sustainable if households understand maintenance. Skipping capacity-building sessions often leads to system failure.
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Lack of Transparency: Household selection must be documented and fair to avoid community disputes in the Ger districts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which district of Ulaanbaatar is the focus of this project? The project is exclusively focused on the Chingeltei District.
2. How many households will receive solar heating systems? A total of 450 households will be selected for the transition.
3. What specific training will households receive? Residents will be trained in solar PV system operation, energy efficiency, routine maintenance, fire prevention, and safety protocols.
4. Are there special considerations for vulnerable families? Yes. The project specifically prioritizes elderly residents, female-headed households, and families with members with disabilities for both solar installation and insulation upgrades.
5. Who provides the training venues? The local district administration provides the venues, while the implementing NGO develops the training materials in collaboration with the UNDP.
6. What is a “Tripartite Agreement”? It is a formal contract signed by three parties—the participating household, the project implementer/UNDP, and the local government—to ensure commitment and accountability.
7. Can an NGO that hasn’t worked with UNDP before apply? Yes, provided they meet the qualification requirements outlined in the NGO Request for Information (RFI) framework.
Conclusion
The UNDP Mongolia Solar Heating Project is a critical step in Ulaanbaatar’s journey toward a “smokeless” winter. By combining solar technology with thermal insulation and community education, the initiative provides a blueprint for sustainable urban development in cold-climate regions. Successful implementation will significantly reduce the socioeconomic burden of coal while safeguarding the health of 450 families in the Chingeltei District.
For more information, visit UNDP.
