In 2026, the wind power market in Kazakhstan is attracting the attention of global new energy investors with its increasingly clear rules. With the completion of the revision of the country's Renewable Energy Law and the solidification of the annual auction mechanism, this Eurasian hinterland with abundant wind energy resources has become a key node for Chinese companies' overseas new energy strategic layout. However, every step from winning the auction to the smooth operation of the project is filled with tests of deep understanding of localization rules.

Strict annual window

Kazakhstan has established a dual track system of renewable energy auctions and fixed subsidies, with clear timeliness for market access. Starting from 2025, the Ministry of Energy will release the annual construction targets and auction schedule in January each year, without any further additions. This means that overseas investors must complete internal project approval before March each year, otherwise they will miss out on opportunities throughout the year. The total wind energy target for 2025 is 1.2 gigawatts, allocated through multiple rounds of auctions at intervals of approximately 45 days. Bidders must register a project company in Kazakhstan and quote in tenge. The winning bid price is the fixed price of the 20-year power purchase agreement. The market implements a "single buyer" model, with exclusive renewable energy support settlement centers for purchasing power rights. Any attempt to bypass this center for direct electricity sales will face high fines.

Complex localization path

Winning the project bid is just the starting point, and the subsequent land acquisition and compliance approval process is more complex. After winning the bid, the enterprise needs to complete precise surveying and land ownership acquisition from the "auction registration area" to the "measured construction area" in a very short period of time. According to Kazakhstan's Land Law, foreign investment can only obtain the right to use industrial energy land through open bidding leasing, and must complete the change of land use. At the same time, the project needs to undergo rigorous design document national appraisal and environmental impact assessment, with a focus on wind turbine safety, grid connection stability, bird migration impact, noise control, and grassland ecological protection. The environmental review adopts a "one vote veto" approach, and any oversight in any stage may lead to serious delays in the project. In addition, the grid access plan needs to be approved by the State Grid Corporation of China, and the project company needs to build its own transmission line to the designated grid connection point.

Cost and risk management of the entire chain

During the construction phase, Kazakhstan's unique climate and geological conditions have put forward customized requirements for engineering technology, such as wind turbine foundation design for seasonal frozen soil and access road schemes for snow cover. The law requires wind power projects to adopt an integrated bidding model of design, procurement, and construction, and the localization rate of equipment must reach 30% from 2025 to enjoy value-added tax benefits. In terms of financing, in the face of fluctuations in the tenge exchange rate, it is necessary to cleverly use a mixed financing structure of the US dollar and the Chinese yuan, as well as credit insurance tools, to lock in risks. After entering the operation period, the law requires the establishment of a localized operation and maintenance team and sets limits on the proportion of foreign employees. In addition, companies need to proactively set aside reserves for wind turbine retirement to cope with future environmental responsibilities and financial pressures. Keywords: Feature News Information, Feature News

In summary, the wind power market in Kazakhstan presents both opportunities and challenges. For Chinese enterprises, the key to success lies in a deep understanding of their rapidly iterating micro rules and implementing a strategy of "early auction, fast property rights confirmation, stable compliance, and full chain" in order to occupy a favorable position in the Central Asian new energy market landscape.Editor/Gao Xue