Masdar Expands Presence in Central Asia with Energy Project Launch in Kazakhstan
Masdar to Build 1 GW Wind Power Station in Kazakhstan, Expanding Renewable Energy Presence in Central Asia
The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Masdar renewable energy company has announced the construction of its first one-gigawatt (GW) wind power station in Kazakhstan, marking its continued expansion throughout Central Asia. The $1.4 billion large-scale wind project aligns with Kazakhstan’s goal to transition from fossil fuels towards clean energy, with aims to increase renewables capacity to 15% of its energy supply by 2030 and reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2060.
This important step in accelerating Kazakhstan’s energy transition is expected to have a transformative impact on the local community, according to Maryam Al Mazrouei, the senior manager responsible for Masdar’s development and investment activities in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Russia.
In addition to Masdar, the wind power project will involve participation from Abu Dhabi-based W Solar, the Qazaq Green Power renewable company, and the Kazakhstan Investment Development Fund (KIDF). The project is seen as a starting point for further development of Masdar’s interests in Kazakhstan, as the company ramps up its global investments with a target of achieving 100 GW total capacity by 2030.
Kazakhstan’s vast steppes make the country’s territory suitable for the development of wind energy. The country currently has 133 renewable energy facilities – 48 wind, 43 solar, 39 hydropower, and three biogas power stations. As part of the push towards green energy production, Kazakhstan has set its sights on attracting foreign capital to build long-term sustainable growth in the region by focusing on green energy, infrastructure, and digitization.
The collaboration between Kazakhstan and the UAE is further reinforced by a recent intergovernmental agreement on deepening energy cooperation, emphasizing the strong relations built over many years of mutual understanding. This agreement was reached during the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, with participation from Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Masdar’s journey in Central Asia’s energy market extends beyond Kazakhstan, with the company active in every Central Asian country. In Uzbekistan, Masdar’s portfolio of clean energy projects exceeds 4 GW, targeting the installation of 7 GW of solar and 5 GW of wind capacity by 2030. The company has also entered the market of Tajikistan with plans to explore the construction of clean energy projects with a total capacity of 500 MW, including floating solar power plants.
The push for renewable energy production in Central Asia not only aims to meet rising energy demand but also to mitigate the adverse environmental impact of fossil fuel consumption. Masdar continues to be deeply committed to supporting Central Asian states in their bold energy transitions, looking forward to developing further landmark projects in the region.
