In Mongolia, the harsh winter is a season and a battle for survival. The reality depicted in the film If Only I Could Hibernate sheds light on the struggles of Ger district residents, who are forced to endure temperatures as low as minus 45°C. 

• How serious is it? Each year, 300 Mongolians die from air pollution-related illnesses, including 240 children under 5. On the coldest winter days, Ulaanbaatar's PM2.5 levels soar to an alarming 687 micrograms per cubic meter, 27 times above the World Health Organization's recommended safe limit.

🤔 Does Mongolia Have Sunny Potential? 

Mongolia enjoys 250 sunny days per year, making it an ideal place to harness solar power. In response to this opportunity, UNDP Mongolia’s Accelerator Lab (A-Lab) launches the “If Only I Could Go Solar” crowdfunding campaign. The goal is to raise funds to transition from coal to solar power by installing solar panels to power electric heaters in 20 households. Once noted, in 2024, UNDP Mongolia and the Mongolian and French governments are expected to expand the program to 100 households.

•  The initiative aims to raise $60,000 but currently stands at $1,340. Here we are leaving the donation link, super easy for you to jump in!

🔦 Shining a Light on the Energy Landscape

Mongolia is rich in solar and wind energy resources, yet renewable energy currently accounts for only 9% of total electricity generation. Of this, 6.2% comes from wind, 2.3% from solar, and 0.5% from hydro. However, significant progress is underway. 9 solar energy projects are being implemented across the country, with a total investment of $169 million. One of the latest, launched in 2023 by MCS International, includes the Borkh and Serven projects, which are backed by an $18 million investment from the Asian Development Bank.

• ➕ In addition, the Mongolian government and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) announce plans to build a 300 MW solar power plant by 2028, during the Davos annual meeting.

🛣️ The Path Forward

Although progress continues, challenges remain. Major hydropower projects, like the 90 MW Erdeneburen and 315 MW Egiin Gol Hydropower Plants, stall for over a decade, with no clear resolution in sight. Despite government promises, the future of these projects stays uncertain.

The solution lies in embracing renewable energy particularly solar power, which could transform the lives of Ger District residents. “If Only I Could Hibernate” reflects the harsh reality of Mongolia’s winters, but with collective action, initiatives like “If Only I Could Go Solar” offer a cleaner, brighter future.