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Co-Benefit Approach

Environmental measures to simultaneously reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases using advanced technology from Japan.

The city of Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia has one of the most serious air pollution problems in the world due to the burning of coal to keep warm in the winter when temperatures range between -30°C and -40°C. The OECC is working on initiatives to simultaneously reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases.

Roles of the OECC

Under the environmental cooperation framework of the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, the OECC is working on air pollution problems in Ulaanbaatar and other cities in Mongolia in cooperation with the Mongolian Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Ministry of Energy and the City of Ulaanbaatar. Specifically, we are working with the local government and Japanese companies to convert the local coal-fired heat supply systems – which cause air pollution – to highly efficient Japanese gas-fired systems. The boilers from Japan have been installed in local elementary schools and kindergartens, gradually reducing the air pollution.
The OECC was in charge of identifying and analyzing local issues which included research on policies and government trends, coordinating with Japanese companies to manufacture boilers for Mongolia, handling customs clearance for exports and coordinating installation of boilers. In the future, we will also utilize the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) to horizontally deploy facilities that are less likely to emit air pollutants over a wider area.

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Research for Policy in Partner Countries

To reduce air pollution and GHG emissions, it is essential to promote measures that are consistent with local government policies. To this end, the OECC analyzes ministerial ordinances and various policies issued by the Mongolian Ministry of Energy and the City of Ulaanbaatar, examines the environmental cooperation Japan and the OECC can contribute to, and collaborates with the governments and companies in the partner country to implement it.

Introduction and Demonstration of Japanese Co-Benefit Technologies

Coal-fired heat supply boilers installed in kindergartens and elementary schools have been replaced with Japanese gas-fired boiler systems to reduce air pollution, with the performance and effects on air pollution now being tested. Based on the results of these tests, we will continue to push the fuel switch from coal to gas for the entire heat supply system in Ulaanbaatar City by utilizing JCM.

Reduction of Air Pollution (compared to coal-fired boilers)
CO2:37%▼
NOx（Nitrogen oxides）: 63%▼
SOx（Sulfur oxides）: 100%▼
CO（Carbon monoxide） : 99%▼
Soot and Dust (Combustion Ash): 100%▼

Implementation of Training in Japan

Government officials in charge of air pollution countermeasures and of infrastructure construction in the partner country and companies engaged in the local district heat supply systems were invited to Japan to attend a study tour. During the tour, the latest technologies related to gas-fired boilers and air pollution countermeasure initiatives in Japan were introduced.
Japan also has a history of overcoming air pollution by switching from coal to gas as a heat source. We conducted the study tour program in the hope that it provides trainees with the opportunity to learn about the technologies available and the policies that have enabled Japan to solve these problems, which will then help them take the necessary measures against air pollution for the future of Mongolia.

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Our initiatives were broadcasted by the Mongolian National Broadcaster.

When a Japanese gas-fired boiler was installed at School No. 152 in Mongolia, the Mongolian National Broadcaster (MNB) attended and interviewed one of the OECC’s Specialists Mr. Nishimura. The principal of the school was pleased that the replacement of the coal-fired boiler with a gas-fired boiler reduced air pollution around the school and a stable heat supply was realized even in the middle of winter at -30°C, protecting the students’ learning environment and health.

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