The goal of the Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) project was to build a cost effective, satisfying, environment friendly, and independent heating system. The GSHPs are systems which combine a heat pump, a system to exchange heat, and measurement equipment. In 2010, the Natura BWH-280 90kW heat pump was installed in the “Ireedui” kindergarten with 1120 m² heating area in Zuunmod village, Tuv province. Ireedui is located 43 kilometers south of the Mongolian capital city, Ulaanbaatar, at an altitude of 1,200 meters.

The National Renewable Energy Centre (NREC) of Mongolia, a state owned enterprise, has already begun implementing a pilot project on GSHPs using government funding. Before the GSHP project, tons of coal were used to heat the kindergarten. Winter temperatures in Mongolia reach -30, so installing the GSHP helps the kindergarten to save between $60,000 and $70,000 yearly.

Due to the success of the GSHP project, this system of geothermal heating in now being installed in hospitals, schools, and hotels. The GSHP project was an important step in development of the Mongolian energy sector, hence our government has plans to expand and develop this technology more in the coming future.  Mongolia needs to promote more efficient and greener technologies which produce heat while also reducing carbon emissions. One of the best solutions to Mongolian energy needs is the utilization of GSHP technology for space heating during the extremely harsh winter.