Abu Dhabi & Kazakhstan: Masdar's Renewable Energy Deal Sealed

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the President of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, were present to witness a pivotal agreement between Masdar – Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – and Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund, Samruk-Kazyna JSC. The agreement focuses on advancing renewable energy and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects within Kazakhstan.

Key Signatories Seal the Deal

During the Kazakhstan-UAE Business Forum, key representatives from both countries officially exchanged documents. His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, and Mr. Nurlan Zhakupov, CEO of Samruk-Kazyna, led the signing process, symbolising the formal launch of this clean energy partnership.

Ambitious Renewable Energy Projects Underway

As part of this collaboration, Masdar and Samruk-Kazyna will explore the development of a groundbreaking “24/7” clean energy project capable of delivering up to 500 megawatts (MW) of baseload renewable power. In addition, they plan to pursue BESS installations with a total capacity of up to 2 gigawatts (GW). Masdar is already spearheading a major initiative in Kazakhstan — a 1GW wind power facility integrated with a 600 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery storage system, one of the largest of its kind in the region.

Progress on Intergovernmental Frameworks

Further supporting the project, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, HE Suhail Al Mazrouei, and Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, HE Yerlan Akkenzhenov, exchanged documents related to the formal ratification of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA). This IGA, originally signed at COP28 in 2023, underpins the 1GW wind energy project and is considered a major step toward the project's implementation.

Kazakhstan’s Clean Energy Goals Take Shape

Kazakhstan has set firm targets to increase its share of renewable energy, aiming to produce 15% of its electricity from renewables by 2030 and 50% by 2050. As part of this broader vision, Masdar entered into a landmark agreement during COP28 with several Kazakh entities – including W Solar, Qazaq Green Power (a Samruk-Kazyna Group company), and the Kazakhstan Investment Development Fund – to execute the 1GW wind initiative. The associated power purchase and investment agreements were finalized at COP29 in Baku, with construction scheduled to commence in 2026.

HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Masdar Chairman, said: "This agreement builds on the already strong energy partnership between our two countries and will support Kazakhstan’s ambitious renewable energy objectives. By leveraging Masdar’s expertise in renewables and battery storage technology, Kazakhstan will be able to address today’s energy needs while creating new jobs, stimulating its economy and preparing for the growing demands of tomorrow. We look forward to working closely with Samruk-Kazyna and the Government of Kazakhstan to deliver sustainable, secure energy and drive socioeconomic progress.”

Nurlan Zhakupov, CEO of Samruk-Kazyna, said: "In line with President Tokayev’s objective of reaching carbon neutrality by 2060, Samruk-Kazyna is strengthening its efforts in low-carbon development, including through partnerships with leading international companies such as Masdar. This agreement represents a step forward toward increasing the share of renewable energy in Kazakhstan’s energy mix, using advanced technologies to support a more sustainable and resilient energy future."

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: "Kazakhstan is a key strategic partner for Masdar and today’s agreement further strengthens our presence in the country, building on the strong collaboration established through our existing 1GW wind and battery storage project in the Jambyl region. This agreement also strengthens our partnership with Samruk-Kazyna and we will continue to work closely together to support energy security, economic diversification and climate action."

Masdar Showcases Breakthrough in Battery Storage

Earlier this year, Masdar revealed a major advancement in renewable energy storage. At Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the company unveiled the world’s first gigascale solar and battery project that delivers round-the-clock clean power. This groundbreaking development includes a 5.2GW (DC) solar PV plant paired with a 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery storage system, collectively capable of supplying 1GW of steady daily power – the largest combined solar and storage facility globally.

Central Asia: A Strategic Growth Region for Masdar

With an abundance of wind and solar resources, Central Asia is an increasingly important region for Masdar’s international expansion. The company maintains a strong presence not only in Kazakhstan but also in neighboring Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Masdar is pursuing a bold global vision to achieve a total renewable energy capacity of 100GW by 2030.