Transformative Rail Project to Strengthen Mongolia’s Energy Export Capacity
On February 14, 2025 Mongolia and China have officially signed the Agreement on the Establishment of the Gashuunsukhait–Gantsmod Cross-Border Railway, marking a pivotal moment in bilateral infrastructure cooperation. This agreement concludes more than two decades of discussions and over 60 negotiation rounds since the project was first proposed in 2004.out commence par une idée.
Ulaanbaatar, May 14, 2025 /MONTSAME/. The Launch Ceremony of the construction of the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod Cross-Border Railway took place on May 14, 2025.
📅 February 14, 2025 — Mongolia and China have officially signed the Agreement on the Establishment of the Gashuunsukhait–Gantsmod Cross-Border Railway, marking a pivotal moment in bilateral infrastructure cooperation. This agreement concludes more than two decades of discussions and over 60 negotiation rounds since the project was first proposed in 2004.
🔹 Strategic export expansion: The new railway link is projected to increase Mongolia’s annual coal export capacity by 30 to 40 million tonnes, significantly enhancing its position in the regional energy market.
🔹 Accelerated economic growth: With continued infrastructure upgrades and complementary projects, Mongolia aims to scale coal exports to 120 million tonnes annually, targeting a GDP per capita of USD 10,000 in the near term.
🔹 Integrated logistics development: The cross-border line strengthens the Tavantolgoi–Gashuunsukhait railway (233.6 km), operational since 2022, creating a seamless logistics corridor that supports mining efficiency and trade flow across the border.
This agreement underscores the strategic alignment between Mongolia and China in advancing regional connectivity and economic development. It also opens up significant opportunities for investors, infrastructure developers, and stakeholders in the energy and transport sectors.
France and Mongolia Launch National Satellite Project to Boost Connectivity and Strategic Cooperation
As part of the official state visit of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh to France, on 13 October, 2023 a major agreement has been signed between the Mongolian Ministry of Digital Development and Communications and Thales Alenia Space for the construction of Mongolia’s first national satellite telecommunications system.Tout commence par une idée.
Photo featured in Thales Alenia’s press release (13/10/2023).
As part of the official state visit of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh to France, on 13 October, 2023 a major agreement has been signed between the Mongolian Ministry of Digital Development and Communications and Thales Alenia Space for the construction of Mongolia’s first national satellite telecommunications system.
The agreement was formalized in the presence of Presidents Khürelsükh and Macron and is seen as a key development in the deepening strategic partnership between France and Mongolia.France and Mongolia have launched a major bilateral project to develop Mongolia’s first national satellite telecommunications system, reinforcing their strategic cooperation and advancing Mongolia’s digital infrastructure.
The future satellite, named “Chinggis Sat”, will operate in the Ku Band and is designed to deliver nationwide high-speed internet coverage, including in remote rural areas and nomadic regions.
This initiative aims to close the digital divide across Mongolia and enable access to key digital services such as:
Telemedicine
Distance learning
E-government platforms
Digital public services
Beyond improving domestic connectivity, the satellite project also supports Mongolia’s ambition to develop its digital economy, foster technological sovereignty, and strengthen its presence in the space sector.
Strategically, this collaboration reflects a long-term commitment between France and Mongolia to cooperate on high-impact infrastructure and innovation projects. It highlights France’s role as a key partner in Mongolia’s digital transition and aligns with broader efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation in technology, sustainability, and economic development.
The deployment of Chinggis Sat represents a significant step forward in Mongolia’s digital future and marks a new chapter in its partnership with France.
Erdeneburen Hydroelectric Power Plant Project – Project Overview
The Erdeneburen Hydroelectric Power Plant project, owned by the Government of Mongolia, involves the construction and operation of a 90 MW hydroelectric facility designed to generate approximately 366 GWh of electricity annually. This strategic infrastructure aims to fully and reliably meet the electricity demand of Mongolia’s western region starting from 2027, significantly improving energy security and regional supply.out commence par une idée.
Erdeneburen Hydroelectric Power Plant ProjeCT. Photo released by Montsame 13/12/2022.
The Erdeneburen Hydroelectric Power Plant project, involves the construction and operation of a 90 MW hydroelectric facility designed to generate approximately 366 GWh of electricity annually. This strategic infrastructure aims to fully and reliably meet the electricity demand of Mongolia’s western region starting from 2027, significantly improving energy security and regional supply.
The plant will provide electricity to an estimated 52,000 households, 4,430 businesses, 5,400 residential buildings, and more than 36,000 users in ger districts across the western provinces. It will play a key role in supporting regional development through a stable and domestic source of renewable energy.
The project includes a hydro reservoir with a planned storage capacity of 1,200 million cubic meters. The power generation system will comprise three turbines, each with a 21 MW nameplate capacity, forming the core of the 90 MW installation. (Note: A previously mentioned 1.2 MW turbine is not consistent with the overall capacity and may refer to a different technical component or typographical error.)
Once commissioned, the Erdeneburen Hydroelectric Power Plant is expected to become a cornerstone of Mongolia’s transition toward clean and sustainable energy production in the western region.