Developing Very Large Scale Solar Power plants in the Gobi desert to contribute for North East Asia’s energy transition

The results of the more than 20-year comprehensive study conducted by the IEA PVPS Task 8 experts - an international research team of experts from industries, international organizations from IEA member and non-member countries, including Mongolia, has shown that the Gobi Desert is one of the most suitable locations for establishing Very Large-Scale Photovoltaic (VLS-PV) power generation plants. Mongolian Gobi desert’s unique geographical and meteorological features, abundant solar energy resources, a vast untapped steppe area of semi-arid deserts plateaus, very low population density, low temperatures, a dry climate, and high wind speeds are ideal conditions for the development of VLS-PV power plants. This paper discusses the key results of the previous studies and the latest research findings on strategies for the practical realization of a Northeast Asian Supergrid, leveraging Mongolia’s vast renewable energy resources.