KUCHING: Sarawak Energy’s (SEB) Bakun Hydroelectric Plant (Bakun HEP) has been awarded the International Hydropower Association (IHA) Blue Planet Prize 2025 in recognition of its commitment to sustainable hydropower development.
The award was presented in Paris, France on Tuesday during the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower, organised by the IHA.
SEB’s group chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili said that receiving the IHA Blue Planet Prize for Bakun HEP reflects Sarawak Energy’s commitment to embedding sustainability across SEB hydropower operations.
“This recognition affirms our continuous efforts to align with international standards and Sarawak’s Sustainability Vision, as well as deliver positive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) outcomes for our communities and the environment.
“Hydropower is the backbone of Sarawak’s generation mix, supporting our efforts to provide reliable, affordable and sustainable energy while advancing the state’s renewable energy agenda.
“SEB is committed to certifying all hydropower plants by 2030,” he said in a statement issued by SEB on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, IHA chief executive officer Eddie Rich said that Bakun showed what could be achieved when a project committed to continuous improvement as a long-term vision.
“By adapting sustainability practices throughout its operations and closing gaps identified through the assessment process, SEB has demonstrated that hydropower can deliver positive outcomes for communities and the environment.
“This award is richly deserved,” he said.
Fully commissioned in 2014, the 2,520 MW Bakun HEP is Malaysia’s largest renewable energy facility and a key contributor to Sarawak’s predominantly renewable generation portfolio, alongside Murum HEP (944 MW) and Batang Ai HEP (94 MW).
As Malaysia’s largest renewable energy developer and an active member of the IHA since 2010, SEB has consistently advanced sustainable hydropower practices.
The utility develops and operates its plants in accordance with the HSS and other international benchmarks, reinforcing the principle that the only acceptable hydropower is sustainable hydropower.
This commitment was recognised when Bakun HEP was recently awarded Silver Certification under the HSS following an independent assessment by the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance.
The assessment highlighted Bakun HEP’s strengths in areas including community engagement, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and governance.
The certification was announced on September 3 during the Sustainability & Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF) 4.0 in Kuching, witnessed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
For the record, the IHA Blue Planet Prize is awarded to hydropower projects that demonstrate outstanding sustainability performance.
It is based on an independent assessment using the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS), which evaluates good practice across all topics and requires evidence of triangulation through corporate policies, on-the-ground implementation, documentation and public consultation.
To qualify for the 2025 prize, the projects must have been assessed or certified under the HSS between July 1, 2023 and June 3, 2025.
