Image: Masdar
Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse, has signed a landmark Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for its 1GW wind farm project in Kazakhstan, marking a significant step in the company’s efforts to expand its global renewable energy footprint.
The PPA was finalised with the Financial Settlement Centre for Renewable Energy Sources Support LLP, a key partner in advancing Kazakhstan’s clean energy ambitions.
The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, and was witnessed by Sungat Yessimkhanov, Vice Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan, and H.E. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy & Petroleum Affairs, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the UAE.
A milestone project for Masdar and Kazakhstan
The 1GW wind farm is set to be one of the largest renewable energy projects in Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region. Located in the Jambyl region in southern Kazakhstan, the project will play a crucial role in supporting the country’s energy transition and advancing its renewable energy infrastructure.
The wind farm will be equipped with a 600-megawatt-hour (MWh) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), enabling the storage and reliable distribution of clean energy to the grid.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, emphasized the strategic importance of the project for both Kazakhstan and Masdar: “This agreement underscores Masdar’s long-term commitment to supporting Kazakhstan in achieving its ambitious clean energy goals. We are deeply invested in Central Asia and this project is a major addition to our growing portfolio. It plays a key role in helping us meet our target of 100GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.”
The wind farm is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 300,000 homes and avoid up to two million tonnes of CO2e emissions annually.
Partnerships Driving Growth in Central Asia
The agreement comes just days after Masdar signed an Investment Agreement for the project with the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan.
Read: Masdar to develop 1GW Mingbulak Wind Farm in Uzbekistan
Masdar is leading the development of the wind farm, alongside key partners W Solar, Qazaq Green Power (a subsidiary of Kazakhstan’s Samruk-Kazyna Group), and the Kazakhstan Investment Development Fund.
Gulzhan Nalibayeva, general director of the Financial Settlement Centre for Renewable Energy Sources Support, highlighted the significance of the PPA in advancing Kazakhstan’s renewable energy agenda: “This agreement is a vital part of the broader investment strategy signed between the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan and Masdar. It represents a major step forward in the development of our renewable energy infrastructure and will contribute to a greener, more resilient economy.”
Supporting Kazakhstan’s clean energy goals
The project aligns with Kazakhstan’s ambitious clean energy targets. The country aims to increase its renewable energy share to 15 per cent of its total energy mix by 2030, with a long-term goal of reaching 50 per cent by 2050 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
The wind farm, which will contribute significantly to the country’s renewables capacity, is expected to play a key role in helping Kazakhstan meet these targets.
Masdar’s global expansion
The wind farm project is Masdar’s inaugural venture in Central Asia’s largest economy and builds on the company’s expansive global operations.
With projects in more than 40 countries, Masdar is focused on expanding its renewable energy portfolio to reach 100GW of capacity by 2030.
In addition to its work in renewables, the company is also positioning itself as a major player in the green hydrogen sector, aiming to be a leading producer by 2030.
Construction of the Jambyl wind farm is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with the project slated for completion by 2028.