KUCHING: Sarawak remains focused on certifying all its major hydropower plants under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS) by 2030, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the commitment reflects Sarawak’s determination to expand its renewable energy generation and cross-border interconnections responsibly with full consideration for the environment, local communities and future generations.
“We are committed to ensuring that as we expand our renewable generation and cross-border interconnectors, we do so responsibly by protecting our environment, communities and future generations,” he said at the opening of the 3rd International Conference on Dam Safety Management and Engineering (ICDSME 2025) here today.
His text of speech was read out by Deputy Minister forUtility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and PETROS) Datuk Ibrahim Baki.
Abang Johari noted that this commitment is already evident through international recognition earned by Sarawak’s flagship Bakun Hydroelectric Plant, which has achieved Silver Certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS).
The certification, he said, makes the 2,520-megawatt Bakun plant the largest hydropower facility in Southeast Asia to receive such global accreditation.
“This underscores our adherence to rigorous environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria across the entire project lifecycle,” he said.
He added that Bakun’s excellence was recognised internationally when it recently won the International Hydropower Association (IHA) Blueprint Prize 2025 in Paris — a prestigious global award celebrating outstanding achievement in sustainable hydropower development and operation.
“These achievements reaffirm that large-scale hydropower, when planned, developed and operated responsibly, can deliver both reliable and affordable energy while achieving measurable sustainability outcomes,” said Abang Johari.
He said as Sarawak continues to strengthen its renewable energy portfolio and expand regional energy trade, such recognitions further cement the state’s position as a trusted and responsible clean energy partner in the region.
“We remain focused on certifying all our major hydropower plants under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard by 2030, aligning with global best practices and supporting Sarawak’s ambition to become the renewable energy powerhouse of Asia,” he said.
