Kazakhstan takes major green step with TotalEnergies’ $1.2B wind project

In a landmark move that underscores Kazakhstan’s rising appeal as a renewable energy powerhouse, French energy giant TotalEnergies has taken a final investment decision (FID) on a $1.2 billion wind and battery storage project – one of the largest renewable initiatives in the country’s history.

The Mirny project, located in the wind-rich Zhambyl Region, will combine 1 GW of onshore wind capacity (roughly 150 turbines) with a 600 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) supplied by TotalEnergies’ subsidiary Saft. Full commercial operation is expected by 2029. Once complete, it will generate enough clean electricity to supply approximately one million people and produce around 4 TWh per year, avoiding millions of tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

Electricity from the project will be sold to the Kazakh government under a 25-year power purchase agreement signed in 2023. TotalEnergies holds a 60% stake, with Kazakh state-owned companies Samruk Energy and KazMunayGas each taking 20%.

Why this project matters: Kazakhstan’s vast untapped potential

This is more than just another wind farm. Kazakhstan possesses one of the world’s most exceptional renewable energy endowments, particularly in wind. Experts estimate the country’s technically exploitable wind potential at up to 760 GW – more than ten times its current total electricity demand. Vast steppes, consistent high winds (especially in regions like Zhambyl, the Djungarian Gates, and the Caspian coast), and enormous land availability create near-ideal conditions for large-scale projects.

Until recently, however, renewables accounted for only a small fraction of the energy mix, with coal still dominating at around 70-75%. That is changing rapidly. Kazakhstan has set ambitious targets: 15% renewables by 2030 and 50% by 2050. The Mirny project alone will deliver a meaningful jump toward those goals and demonstrates growing international confidence in Kazakhstan’s energy transition.

Strong international backing

Financing reflects broad global support. About 75% of the project is externally funded through a consortium that includes the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) – providing up to $548 million – along with Proparco, the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, DEG, Société Générale, QNB Group, China Construction Bank, and Standard Chartered.

This level of multilateral and commercial backing is a strong vote of confidence in both the project’s viability and Kazakhstan’s investment climate.

Olivier Jouny, Senior Vice President for Renewables at TotalEnergies, said: “We are delighted to launch one of Kazakhstan’s largest renewable energy initiatives. We look forward to advancing construction of the Mirny project alongside our partners and in cooperation with the Kazakh authorities.”

A model for the future?

The Mirny project stands out for its integrated approach – pairing massive wind generation with utility-scale battery storage. This combination addresses one of the biggest challenges in renewable energy: intermittency and grid stability. In a country still heavily reliant on coal-fired baseload power, such hybrid projects could become a blueprint for future developments.

It also fits into TotalEnergies’ broader strategy in Asia, including a major partnership with Masdar aimed at developing 9 GW of renewables regionally.

For Kazakhstan, successes like Mirny could accelerate a virtuous cycle: attracting more foreign investment, creating jobs in construction and operations, building local expertise, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels while maintaining energy security.

Challenges remain

Of course, hurdles exist. Grid modernization, regulatory fine-tuning, and managing the social and economic transition away from coal-dependent regions will require sustained effort. Legal and contractual predictability will also be key to keeping international investors engaged.

Nevertheless, projects of this scale and ambition suggest that Kazakhstan – long known for its oil and gas wealth – is serious about diversifying into a greener future. If Mirny is successfully delivered on time and budget, it could indeed prove to be a shape of things to come, positioning the country as a Central Asian leader in the global energy transition.

Caption: A visual illustrating the Mirny project in Kazakhstan, TotalEnergies website