Stakeholders' perceptions of sustainable energy transition of Ulaanbaatar city, Mongolia

Cities are the largest consumers of energy and emitters of greenhouse gases. Cities could play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and leading the transition to renewable energy in all end-use sectors. Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital city, and its primary energy system relies on fossil fuels. This study explores stakeholders' perceptions of a sustainable energy transition in Ulaanbaatar by 2050 using the SWOT-AHP method. Seven groups of stakeholders were involved in defining a long-term sustainable energy transition. First, stakeholders identified pathways to a sustainable energy transition through semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The results show that the sustainable energy transition in the city of Ulaanbaatar by 2050 is still conventional and relies on an existing coal-based energy system. Second, stakeholders identified SWOT factors of the current situation of the Municipality of Ulaanbaatar for the implementation of the sustainable energy transition. Finally, the SWOT factors were prioritized by pairwise comparisons using SWOT-AHP. Stakeholder responses varied between groups and between representatives of the same groups. The highest rated strength in the implementation of the sustainable energy transition is that the Municipality of Ulaanbaatar is now able to independently manage its budget and attract investment. Ulaanbaatar's greatest weakness is the lack of coordination between government organizations and stakeholders. The potential for renewable energy was seen as an important opportunity. The risks of political instability, which could slow, stop, or change the implementation of energy policies and projects were the greatest threat to the implementation of a sustainable energy transition.