KUCHING: The Bakun Hydroelectric Dam is set to receive the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS) certification this year.
The certification would ensure that the largest dam in Southeast Asia gets world-class recognition.
Group chief executive officer of Sarawak Energy, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili said the dam meets the requirements of Renewable Energy (RE10), a standard widely recognised among industry players for sustainable hydropower development.
“This plant has also been nominated for the 2025 Blue Planet Award by the International Hydropower Association, which recognises excellence in sustainable hydropower development,” a TVS report quoted him.
Sharbini made the remarks during the first panel discussion session at the International Energy Week (IEW) 2025 Summit at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
He also said that the Bakun Dam has a capacity to generate 2,520 megawatts (MW) of electricity, making it the largest in Southeast Asia, followed by Baleh Dam (1,285 MW) and Murum Dam (944 MW). The Baleh dam is expected to be commissioned by 2029 and fully operational in the fourth quarter of 2030.
“Currently, the Bakun and Murum dams function as Sarawak’s baseload generators, supplying electricity 24 hours a day throughout the year.
“All our hydropower projects are guided by the standards of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) and the HSS to ensure safe, efficient operations and sustainable development,” he said.
He also said that Sarawak began its hydropower journey with the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Plant, which was inaugurated in 1985 and now marks its 40th year.
