Masdar, Abu Dhabi energy company, has broken ground on a 1 GW wind farm in Kazakhstan’s Zhambyl region, marking its first renewable energy project in the country and one of Central Asia’s largest integrated wind and battery storage developments.

The $1.4 billion project includes a 600 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) to enhance grid stability and is being developed in partnership with W Solar, Qazaq Green Power (a Samruk-Kazyna Fund company), and the Kazakhstan Investment Development Fund.

Once completed, it is expected to generate enough electricity to power around 880,000 homes in southern Kazakhstan and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 2.5 million tonnes annually.

The project will also include more than 400 kilometres of overhead transmission lines to strengthen regional grid infrastructure.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by senior officials from the UAE and Kazakhstan, underscoring deepening bilateral cooperation in clean energy and sustainable development.

In parallel, Masdar signed a roadmap agreement with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development to advance the country’s first round-the-clock (RTC) clean energy project, designed to deliver 24/7 renewable power.

The initial phase could supply up to 200 MW of baseload electricity for data centres and AI infrastructure, with further planning covering site selection, technical studies and stakeholder coordination.

The initiative builds on Masdar’s global leadership in integrated renewable energy systems, following its October 2025 launch of a major 24/7 solar and storage project in Abu Dhabi combining a 5.2 GW solar plant with a 19GWh battery system.

Kazakhstan aims to generate 15 per cent of its electricity from renewables by 2030 and 50 per cent by 2050, with the Zhambyl project positioned as a key contributor to these targets while supporting energy security and long-term economic diversification.

The developments also advance Masdar’s ambition to reach 100 GW of global clean energy capacity by 2030, further expanding its footprint across Central Asia.

Nurlan Zhakupov, Chief Executive Officer of Samruk-Kazyna, said: “We are proud to launch this landmark project together with Masdar, marking an important milestone in our strategic partnership. The 1 GW wind farm opens a new chapter in the cooperation between Kazakhstan and the UAE and reflects our shared commitment to advancing a low-carbon economy, deploying innovative technologies and building a sustainable energy future for Kazakhstan.”

Yerlan Akkenzhenov, Kazakhstan Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “Our partnership with Masdar drives renewable energy development and propels Kazakhstan toward carbon neutrality. This project will strengthen regional energy security and bring cutting-edge technologies to the renewable energy sector. We appreciate our partners' commitment to investing in the country’s sustainable development and will provide all the necessary support to ensure the successful delivery of every project phase.”

Mohamed Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: “This project represents a significant step forward in Masdar’s global expansion and our growing presence in Central Asia. As our first project in Kazakhstan, it bolsters our leading position in the region and reflects our commitment to enhancing the country’s long-term growth and energy security. We are also delighted to sign a roadmap agreement to expand the deployment of Round-the-Clock renewable energy solution in Kazakhstan, helping to provide the industries of the future with the reliable, affordable, clean power that they need.”

Hamad Al Ameri, Managing Director and Group CEO of Alpha Dhabi Holding, said: “This groundbreaking marks another milestone in Alpha Dhabi's strategy to position climate investment as a core driver of sustainable growth. Through our partnership with Masdar and our subsidiary W Solar, we are demonstrating that the UAE's leadership in clean energy extends far beyond our borders; mobilising capital, expertise, and long-term commitment to markets where the energy transition is accelerating. The wind project, combined with a battery energy storage system in the Zhambyl region, reflects our belief that patient, purpose-driven investment in clean infrastructure is the defining opportunity of our era and essential for long-term value creation.” -OGN/TradeArabia News Service