Kazakhstan Gets $1.2B Wind Farm with Giant Battery

Kazakhstan is about to build one of Central Asia's largest clean energy projects, and it's bringing both wind turbines and battery storage to the table.

Energy giant TotalEnergies just gave the final green light to Mirny, a $1.2 billion project in southeast Kazakhstan's Zhambyl region. The facility will feature 150 wind turbines generating 1GW of power, paired with a 600MWh battery system to store energy when the wind isn't blowing.

The project marks a major milestone for renewable energy in Central Asia, a region traditionally dependent on fossil fuels. Kazakhstan's government has already locked in a deal to buy the electricity and feed it into the national grid, ensuring the clean power reaches homes and businesses across the country.

TotalEnergies isn't going it alone. The company holds 60% of the project, with two Kazakh state energy companies splitting the remaining 40%. A consortium of major lenders, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, is financing three quarters of the total investment.

The battery component, supplied by European manufacturer Saft, will help smooth out the natural ups and downs of wind generation. This means more reliable clean energy for Kazakhstan's grid, even when the wind dies down.

The Ripple Effect

This project signals a broader shift happening across Central Asia. Both Kazakhstan and neighboring Uzbekistan are attracting major renewable energy developers from around the world, particularly from the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi's Masdar, a government owned clean energy developer, recently formed a $2.2 billion joint venture with TotalEnergies covering 3GW of existing projects and 6GW in development across Central and Southeast Asia. The partnership demonstrates how clean energy is creating new bridges between regions.

The investment also shows how battery storage is becoming essential infrastructure, not just an add on. By pairing batteries with wind power, developers can deliver more consistent electricity and participate in energy markets that reward reliability.

For Kazakhstan, the project represents something bigger than just clean electrons. It's a chance to diversify the economy beyond oil and gas while building the energy infrastructure needed for future growth.

Construction will create jobs in the Zhambyl region, and once operational, Mirny will help Kazakhstan meet its climate commitments while keeping the lights on for years to come.