Japan Target Low-Cost, Reliable Power for Poor Mongolian Communities

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Government of Japan are funding a pilot project in Mongolia which is expected to pave the way for the delivery of low-cost, reliable electricity to poor, remote communities across the country.

The Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, financed by Japan and administered by ADB, is providing a $2.4 million grant for the demonstration project to improve electricity services to low-income communities in rural areas.

Mongolia, with around 2.6 million people spread over 1.6 million square kilometers, has one of the lowest population densities in the world. Its remote, rural communities also struggle with high levels of poverty, and typically have to make do with diesel-generated power, which is expensive and only available 4 to 5 hours a day.

For more information:

http://www.adb.org/Media/Articles/2009/12979-mongolian-rural-electrification/