The renewable energy giant, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, has reached a critical milestone in the development of its 1GW wind farm project in Kazakhstan. On the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Masdar and its partners signed an investment agreement for this initiative, confirming their commitment to expanding renewable energy in Central Asia.
The wind farm, located in the Jambyl region, is not only Masdar’s first project in Kazakhstan but also one of the largest wind farms in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). This investment aligns with Kazakhstan’s energy strategy, a country that aspires to become a major clean energy producer. This landmark project will also include a 600-megawatt-hour (MWh) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), allowing for stabilized power supply in the region.
Partners at the Core of Development
Alongside Masdar, several partners have joined the project, including W Solar, Qazaq Green Power – a company of the Samruk-Kazyna Group – and the Kazakhstan Investment Development Fund. This collaboration marks a significant step in the commitment of these entities to energy transition and the expansion of renewable capacities in the region.
The investment agreement was signed in the presence of key political figures, such as H.E. Nurlan Baibazarov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, and Nurlan Zhakupov, Chairman of the Board of Samruk-Kazyna. This signature formalizes a strategic partnership to address tomorrow’s energy and environmental challenges.
Impact and Objectives of the Wind Farm
Once operational, the 1GW wind farm will supply electricity to approximately 300,000 households in southern Kazakhstan. This project will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2 million tons per year, a significant advancement for the country’s climate goals. This wind farm will help Kazakhstan achieve its target of 15% renewable energy capacity by 2030 and 50% by 2050.
This project reflects Kazakhstan’s climate ambitions, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060. In this context, Masdar is actively committed to supporting these efforts under the UAE Consensus to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030. This consensus encourages a massive increase in investments in clean energy and the modernization of global energy infrastructures.
A Strategic Project for Central Asia
Kazakh authorities see this project as a lever to transform their energy system and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. H.E. Almassadam Satkaliyev, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, stated that this large-scale project is crucial for the country’s sustainable development goals. According to him, the involvement of international partners like Masdar affirms Kazakhstan’s potential to become a regional leader in clean energy.
Masdar, for its part, views this project as a new opportunity to assert its global leadership in energy transition. Masdar’s CEO, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, expressed confidence in the plant’s ability to bring significant benefits to the region and contribute to Kazakhstan’s energy and environmental objectives.
Toward Sustainable Growth
The partnership between the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan for the development of renewable energy has taken on a new dimension with this project. The two nations had already announced their commitment at COP28 to jointly develop Kazakhstan’s renewable energy sector. This wind farm is therefore a concrete illustration of this growing collaboration.
In addition to meeting local energy needs, this wind farm will help position Kazakhstan as a model for energy transition in other CIS countries. Experts believe this initiative could encourage additional investments in sustainable energy infrastructure in the region.
Technical and Environmental Challenges
The project will also face technical challenges, particularly due to the climate conditions in the Jambyl region and the need to effectively integrate the energy storage system. However, Masdar and its partners say they are prepared to address these challenges to ensure a sustainable and reliable energy production.
Local authorities and international partners hope this wind farm will be the first of a series of projects aimed at transforming the energy landscape in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. By collaborating with global players, Kazakhstan appears ready to make its energy transition a reality, while strengthening its position in the global renewable energy market.
