Giving up fire for air How social practices impact the transition from coal stoves to electric heaters in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
MADE Student Project
In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, air pollution continues to be a serious health issue de- spite past measures. A large part of the air pollution originates from the coal stoves frequently used in the gers (Mongolian nomadic circular tents) in which many residents live. Air pollution could be reduced by transitioning to electric heaters, but adoption rates remain low, attributed to limited grid capacity and affordability issues. However, an under-investigated aspect is the role that social heating practices play in this energy transition. Through fieldwork performed in Ulaanbaatar in April and May of 2023, it was investigated how social practices around heating need to be adjusted when transi- tioning to electric heating. Six social practices were identified that form reasons to keep using a coal stove, including better thermal performance, its role in the preparation of typical Mongolian dishes, and in spiritual practices around fire. Households that had adopted electric heaters find them convenient, especially important for their children’s health, but frequently still kept their coal stove for other uses. Finally, recommendations to accelerate the adoption of electric heaters are provided, including to consider electric heaters as a supplement to coal stoves, rather than a complete replacement; to prioritize insulation improvements; and to make use of two social networks to spread benefits of and information regarding electric heating: family and Facebook.
Afbeelding credits
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