The President of Mongolia calls for the Establishment of the Regional Energy Organization in Northeast Asia

On 1 March 2019, the Business Council of Mongolia (BCM) co-organized with the Ministry of Energy, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) an international conference on “Northeast Asia Regional Power System Interconnection”. The conference was held under the auspices of the President of Mongolia H.E. KHALTMAA BATTULGA. The following business associations and non-governmental organizations supported the conference, the Asia Super Grid Mongolia Association, the Mongolian Renewables Industries Association, and the Energy Association of Mongolia.

President of Mongolia H.E. Khaltmaa Battulga, President’s Chief of Staff Z.Enkhbold, and BCM Board Members: B.Byambasaikhan, R.Koppa, C.McRae, D.Munkhtushig, E.Orchlon, B.Solongoo, E.Temuulin, Ts.Tumentsogt in attendance

BCM Chairman B.Byambasaikhan and vice-chair of the Energy, Infrastructure and Connectivity Working Group Ts.Tumentsogt welcomed the President to the international conference attended by 300 participants, including the ambassadors and trade representatives from Australia, Belorussia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czech Republic, European Union, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Laos, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam, representatives of the United Nations, speakers and experts from China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Russia.

President of Mongolia H.E. Khaltmaa Battulga

In his opening remarks(click to read the speech) President Battulga noted “Mongolia not only has a high level of political understanding with our neighboring and regional countries, but we do not have any dispute with any country at the international level. Mongolia has the necessary prerequisites to successfully implement this project.” The President reiterated his call for the creation of the regional organization to implement this progressive initiative.

Yolanda F. Lommen, ADB Country Director

The ADB Country Director Yolanda F. Lommen highlighted the importance of Mongolia’s potential to supply clean and reliable energy to the region. Gurbuz Gonul, Director of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) presented its report on “New World: the Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation”. The purpose of international conference was to present countries’ perspectives in North East Asia to develop a regional mechanism for the Northeast Asian power system integration (NAPSI).

Gurbuz Gonul, Director, International Renewable Energy Agency

Experts presented their view on a strategy and an action plan roadmap for the NAPSI benefiting from Mongolia’s vast energy resources. During the Panel discussions, country representatives expressed their interest in the realization of the Northeast Asia Super Grid Project. Members from international organizations such as IRENA, United National Economic and Social Commission for the Asia and Pacific, and the Energy Charter remain optimistic of the long-term potential for energy export from Mongolia.

From left: Sungkyu Lee (KEEI), Geng Dan (Country Coordinator from China), Zhao Liujun (SGERI), Shota Ichimura (REI), Kanat Botbaev (Energy Charter), Michael Williamson (UNESCAP), Phillippe Leinhart (EDF)

During the Panel discussions, country representatives expressed their interest in the realization of the Northeast Asia Super Grid Project. Members from international organizations such as IRENA, United National Economic and Social Commission for the Asia and Pacific, and the Energy Charter remain optimistic of the long-term potential for energy export from Mongolia. Research organizations also emphasized that renewable energy exports from Mongolia will be highly profitable for the region and that Mongolia should continue to actively partake in the realization of this initiative.

From left: M.Philippe, Ambassador of France, T.Hristea, Ambassador of EU, X.Haiming, Ambassador of China, G. Gonul, Director of IRENA, D.Vosen, Ambassador of Australia, Y.F.Lommen, Country Director of ADB, and M.P Singh, Ambassador of India in attendance

From right: Chief of Staff of the President Z. Enkhbold, BCM Board Member Ts.Tumentsogt, BCM Chairman B.Byambasaikhan, and G.Gonul, IRENA