Led by Abu Dhabi-based Masdar, the 1 GW project is among the company’s flagship renewable energy investments in Central Asia.
The development will include a battery energy storage system capable of delivering up to 300 MW of power and storing 600 MWh of electricity, making it one of the largest integrated renewable energy projects in Eurasia.
The project stems from intergovernmental agreements signed during the COP28 and COP29 climate conferences in 2023 and 2024 and forms part of Masdar’s strategy to build 100 GW of renewable energy capacity worldwide by 2030.
Kazakhstan’s vast wind-rich steppes, growing electricity demand and supportive policy environment make the country an attractive market for renewable energy investment, said Abdulla Zayed, Executive Director of Business and Project Development at Masdar.
“Kazakhstan has a lot of potential — abundant wind resources, the demand is there. This, coupled with the government’s commitment to decarbonisation and a supportive regulatory environment, makes it an attractive market.”
Masdar expects the wind farm to operate for at least 30 years.
The company is developing the project in partnership with W Solar, Qazaq Green Power, a company belonging to Samruk-Kazyna sovereign wealth fund, and Kazakhstan Investment Development Fund.
According to Samruk-Kazyna Chairman Nurlan Zhakupov, the project will strengthen Kazakhstan’s electricity grid and improve the resilience of the country’s energy system.
“The fact that companies like Masdar are investing in Kazakhstan reflects the country’s mature investment climate and business environment. It also shows that Samruk-Kazyna is a trusted partner for international investors.”
Once operational, the wind farm is expected to supply electricity to nearly 300,000 households in Kazakhstan’s energy-deficit southern regions while avoiding around two million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
Sultangali Kinzhakulov, Chairman of Kazakh Invest, said the project would deliver both economic and energy security benefits.
“Our priority is ensuring that every investment project delivers tangible results. The benefits of this project are clear: additional generating capacity for Kazakhstan’s southern regions, clean energy for the country, investment in the economy, and a foundation for long-term sustainable development.”
The electricity generated by the project will be transmitted through more than 400 kilometres of new overhead transmission lines, helping relieve pressure on Kazakhstan’s ageing north-south transmission network while improving the reliability of electricity supply in the south.
Kazakhstan bets on wind
Kazakhstan is seeking to expand renewable energy as it works to reduce emissions and diversify its electricity mix, with wind power expected to play a significant role thanks to the country’s vast wind-rich steppes.
The Zhambyl wind farm’s 1 GW capacity forms part of 6 GW of renewable energy projects currently being developed by Samruk-Kazyna.
The sovereign wealth fund is also seeking to localise parts of the renewable energy supply chain as Kazakhstan builds its domestic wind industry.
“The wind farm will use equipment manufactured by a domestic producer through a joint venture with Sunny Renewables.”
According to Samruk-Kazyna, the project reflects a broader strategy to combine new renewable generation with local manufacturing capabilities, supporting the development of Kazakhstan’s clean energy sector while attracting long-term international investment.