In preparation for the upcoming heating season, Deputy Governor of the Capital City in charge of the Social Sector, Green Development, Air and Environmental Pollution A.Amartuvshin provided an update regarding the supply and use of improved coal briquettes, semi-coke briquettes, gas fuel, and insulation efforts.
He stated that starting from September 15, approximately 400 distribution points across the capital city began selling compressed coal briquettes. From October 1, both improved coal briquettes and semi-coke briquettes will be available for sale simultaneously, giving residents the option to choose based on their preferences. This approach allows consumers to compare both types of fuel and make informed decisions.
Moreover, the service center for fuel will operate 24/7 to monitor and respond to risks related to carbon monoxide poisoning. By the end of this year, all households in the capital city that use solid fuels will be connected to a centralized monitoring system. In the event of a reported carbon monoxide incident, response teams will be dispatched within five to seven minutes, with medical assistance provided depending on the situation.
As we reported earlier, the capital city plans to distribute 306,000 tons of semi-coke briquettes, which is expected to reduce air pollution by an estimated 45 to 50 percent. In addition, approximately 5,000 households in the areas around Gandantegchinlen Monastery, the TV Tower, and Denjiin Myanga—covering parts of Bayangol and Chingeltei districts—will be fully insulated and transitioned to gas fuel. These households will use 22 designated gas refilling stations. To ensure safety and engineering standards, the capital city is collaborating with global brands such as Haier and Hisense in the development and implementation of gas heating systems.
A phased plan is in place to transition 50,000 households to gas heating in 2026 and another 65,000 in 2027. By 2028, more than 100,000 households are expected to be fully transitioned to gas fuel. To promote the safe and effective use of gas, training programs will be conducted by UNICEF in cooperation with city and district officials, local authorities, police, and emergency services. Additionally, to encourage the adoption of gas heating, a subsidy of up to 900,000 MNT will be provided during the nine-month heating season.
A feasibility study for the construction of a semi-coke production facility is currently ongoing. Once a contract is signed, it is estimated that the facility can be constructed and become operational within 14 to 16 months. After two years, once household consumption of solid fuel has been significantly reduced, the semi-coke briquettes will be repurposed for use in thermal and electric power plants.
