UAE, Kazakhstan commit to 2 GW battery storage in wider renewable energy agreement

Abu Dhabi-based renewables developer Masdar, has signed a collaboration agreement with Kazakhstan sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna, to develop large-scale renewable energy and BESS projects in Kazakhstan.

Under the agreement, Masdar and Samruk-Kazyna will explore the development of a renewable energy project providing up to 500 MW of baseload power, alongside BESS projects with up to 2 GW capacity.

The agreement was finalized during the official visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Kazakhstan on May 12, with a signing ceremony in Astana.

UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Masdar Chairman, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, and Samruk-Kazyna’s Chief Executive Officer, Nurlan Zhakupov, exchanged documents related to the collaboration agreement at the Kazakhstan-UAE business forum held in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Masdar is already developing a 1 GW wind farm in Kazakhstan, featuring a 600 MWh battery storage system, one of the largest wind projects in the region. 

Officials also announced the ratification of an intergovernmental agreement between the UAE and Kazakhstan for the development of Masdar’s 1 GW wind project, initially signed at COP28 in 2023.

Strengthening energy partnerships

Sultan Al Jaber emphasized that the collaboration between Masdar and Samruk-Kazyna would accelerate Kazakhstan’s clean energy transition, saying:

“This agreement builds on the already strong energy partnership between our two countries and will support Kazakhstan’s ambitious renewable energy objectives,” Sultan Al Jaber said.

“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.”

Masdar has been actively expanding battery storage capabilities. Earlier this year, Masdar partnered with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) to develop the world’s first gigascale 24/7 solar and BESS project, featuring 5.2 GW of solar, with a 19 GWh battery system, capable of producing up to 1 GW of continuous baseload renewable energy.

Kazakhstan has set ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming for 15% of its electricity to come from clean sources by 2030, and to increase that target to 50% by 2050.

Masdar is targeting a 100GW global portfolio capacity by 2030.