Jambyl (Kazakhstan), June 29 (WAM) - Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, Masdar, the world’s leading clean energy company, today officially laid the foundation stone for a 1 gigawatt wind power plant in Jambyl region of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The station is the first renewable energy project developed by Masdar in Kazakhstan and one of the largest battery-based wind power projects in Central Asia with total investments of AED5.14 billion (USD1.4 billion) and a storage capacity of 600 megawatts per hour, which will contribute to enhancing grid stability.

Masdar is leading the development of the project in partnership with W Solar; Kazak Green Power, an affiliate of Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna; and the Kazakhstan Investment Development Fund.

A number of senior government officials and representatives from the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Kazakhstan witnessed the laying of the foundation stone for this prominent project, which reflects the depth of partnership relations between the two countries and their cooperation in enhancing sustainable development efforts and accelerating the deployment of clean energy solutions.

Upon completion, the project will provide electricity to around 880,000 homes in southern Kazakhstan while avoiding the emission of approximately 2.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

The project also contributes to strengthening the electrical grid infrastructure in southern Kazakhstan by establishing more than 400 kilometres of overhead power transmission lines.

Masdar also signed an agreement with the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development in Kazakhstan to study plans for developing the first utility-scale project to provide clean energy 24/7 in Kazakhstan.

In line with the country’s ambitions in artificial intelligence, the proposed initial phase of the project will provide up to 200 megawatts (MW) of baseload power for data centers and AI infrastructure.

The agreement outlines key steps related to developing the project, including identifying suitable locations, conducting technical assessments, and coordinating efforts among various stakeholders.

On this occasion, H.E. Erlan Akimbergenov, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of the Republic of Kazakhstan, said: “Our partnership with Masdar will help drive the development of the renewable energy sector and support Kazakhstan’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. This project will contribute to enhancing energy security in the region while leveraging cutting-edge technologies in the renewable energy sector.”

He added: “We value our partners’ efforts and commitment to investing in supporting sustainable development in the country, and we will continue to cooperate and provide necessary support for completing various stages of the project.”

For his part, Mohammed Jamil Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar said: “This project represents an important step that supports Masdar’s global expansion strategy and the development of its portfolio in Central Asia. As our first project in Kazakhstan, it will contribute to establishing the company's pioneering position in the region, reflecting our commitment to enhancing energy security and supporting long-term growth in the country. We are pleased to sign an agreement to study plans for expanding the deployment of 24/7 renewable energy solutions in Kazakhstan, which will help provide clean, reliable, and cost-competitive energy that meets the needs of future industries.”

For his part, Nurlan Jakubov, CEO of Samruk-Kazyna said: “We are proud to launch this pioneering project in cooperation with Masdar, which represents an important milestone in our strategic partnership. The 1 gigawatt wind power project opens a new chapter in the cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting our shared commitment to supporting the low-carbon economy, adopting innovative technologies, and building a sustainable future for the energy sector in Kazakhstan.”

Hamad Al Ameri, Managing Director and CEO of Alpha Dhabi Holding Group said: “The laying of the foundation stone for the Jambyl project reflects the group’s commitment to enhancing climate investment as an engine for sustainable growth. This partnership with Masdar through our company W Solar will help establish the United Arab Emirates' pioneering role in the clean energy sector and expand its scope to new external markets, by employing capital, expertise, and a long-term commitment in markets that are experiencing rapid development of the energy system.

He added that the Gambil wind energy project includes a battery system for storing energy, reflecting the Group’s belief that purposeful and long-term investment in clean infrastructure represents an important opportunity at this stage and is essential to creating sustainable value.

The development of Kazakhstan’s 24/7 renewable energy project will depend on Masdar’s expertise and leadership in developing solutions for providing renewable energy around the clock.

In October 2025, Masdar began construction in Abu Dhabi on the world’s first and largest project of its kind that combines solar power with energy storage technologies.

The project includes a 5.2 GW photovoltaic solar power plant, along with an energy storage battery system with a capacity of 19 GWh, which will provide base load power of up to 1 GW per day.

These projects will support Kazakhstan’s clean energy goals and strengthen Masdar’s activities in the Central Asian region where the company is developing projects in several countries in the region. It will also support Masdar’s goal of raising the total production capacity of its global portfolio to 100 GW by 2030.

Kazakhstan aims to raise the share of renewable energy in the electricity mix to 15% by 2030 and 50% by 2050.

The Gambil project is expected to play an important role in supporting these goals, as well as strengthening long-term growth, energy security, and sustainable economic development.