The Mirny Wind Project is a large-scale renewable energy project under development in Kazakhstan. It is estimated to cost around $1.4bn and is owned by TotalEnergies, which has a 60% stake, in collaboration with Samruk-Kazyna and KazMunayGas, each with a 20% stake.
The project is intended to produce up to 1GW of electricity and is projected to help reduce Kazakhstan’s carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 3.5 million tonnes annually.
Kazakhstan has set national targets to increase the share of renewable energy in its total energy mix. The Mirny Wind Project forms part of these national efforts to diversify energy sources. It is expected to contribute to the country’s strategic goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
Project Location Details
The Mirny Wind Project is an onshore wind power development. It is situated in the Zhambyl region, located in the southeastern part of Kazakhstan. The project location was selected based on studies of local wind patterns, where average wind speeds reach approximately 8.9m per second.
The site offers access to relatively flat terrain suitable for large-scale turbine installation. Proximity to Kazakhstan’s main transmission infrastructure was another factor influencing the site choice. This enables easier integration of the generated electricity into the national grid.
Mirny Wind Project Infrastructure
The project will involve the deployment of up to 160 individual wind turbines across the designated site area. The turbines will feed into a battery energy storage system (BESS) with a storage capacity of 600MWh to stabilise the energy supply.
In addition to the turbines and battery system, the project will require the construction of around 200km of new transmission lines. These will connect the project to Kazakhstan’s Unified Electricity System. The infrastructure is designed to ensure that the electricity generated can be transmitted efficiently and reliably.
Development and Timeline
In June 2023, TotalEnergies announced the signing of a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Financial Settlement Center of Renewable Energy. The PPA guarantees the sale of electricity produced by the Mirny Wind Project to the national electricity market.
In December 2023, an investment agreement was signed between TotalEnergies and the Government of Kazakhstan during the COP28 conference. The agreement outlines investment protections, project support mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks for the project. The construction phase is scheduled to begin in autumn 2025, with commissioning targeted for 2028.
Technological Details
The Mirny Wind Project will deploy large-scale onshore wind turbine technology. Technical specifications for the turbines, such as rated capacity per turbine and manufacturer details, are expected to be finalised during 2025. The 600MWh battery storage system will enable load shifting and frequency regulation services for the grid.
The project’s transmission system will be newly constructed and connected directly to Kazakhstan’s Unified Electricity System. Grid connection agreements are being negotiated with the relevant authorities to facilitate smooth integration. The project will also include systems for monitoring, control, and optimisation of wind energy output.
Mirny Wind Project Financing Details
Financing for the onshore wind project is structured around the 25-year PPA, providing guaranteed cash flows over the project’s operational life. Additional financing support measures are outlined in the Agreement on Investment signed with the Government of Kazakhstan.
Power Purchase Agreements
TotalEnergies signed the PPA with Kazakhstan’s Financial Settlement Center of Renewable Energy in June 2023. Under this agreement, all electricity generated by the Mirny Wind Project will be purchased at a pre-agreed tariff for a period of 25 years.
Contractors
TotalEnergies is serving as the project’s principal developer and lead technical coordinator. The company is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the project from design through construction and commissioning. Samruk-Kazyna and KazMunayGas are acting as strategic partners, contributing financial and institutional support.
As of early 2025, turbine suppliers, engineering procurement contractors, and other key suppliers have not yet been officially announced. Future tenders for equipment and services are expected to be issued once the detailed design and environmental assessments are completed. Information on subcontractors for civil works, electrical installations, and maintenance will be released as the project progresses.
