Sarawak Energy Receives IHA Blue Planet Prize 2025 for Bakun Hydroelectric Plant's Sustainability

Strategic Insights -

Sarawak Energy, a leading renewable energy developer, has been recognized for its commitment to sustainable hydropower development. The company received the International Hydropower Association's (IHA) Blue Planet Prize 2025 for the Bakun Hydroelectric Plant (HEP), which is the largest hydropower facility in Southeast Asia to be certified under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS). The award acknowledges the plant's strengths in community engagement, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and governance. The Bakun HEP has achieved HSS Silver Certification, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable practices.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Bakun HEP is the largest hydropower facility in Southeast Asia to be HSS certified, with a capacity of 2,520MW.
  • Sarawak Energy received the IHA Blue Planet Prize on September 9, 2025, in Paris, France, during the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower.
  • The award recognizes the Bakun HEP's achievements in community engagement, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and governance, among other areas.
  • The HSS Silver Certification was announced on September 3, 2025, during the Sustainability & Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF) 4.0 in Kuching.
  • Sarawak Energy has consistently advanced sustainable hydropower practices and adheres to the HSS and other international benchmarks.
  • The company is also the first South-East Asian global Patron of the World Energy Council, formalized in March 2024.

Statistics:

  • Capacity of the Bakun HEP: 2,520MW
  • Location of the Bakun HEP: Southeast Asia
  • Date of IHA Blue Planet Prize presentation: September 9, 2025
  • Date of HSS Silver Certification announcement: September 3, 2025
  • Bakun HEP's renewable energy contribution to Sarawak's generation portfolio: Predominantly renewable, alongside the Murum HEP (944MW) and Batang Ai HEP (94MW)
  • Number of years Sarawak Energy has been an active member of the IHA: 15 years (since 2010)

Sources:

  • Sarawak Energy Berhad
  • International Hydropower Association (IHA)
  • World Energy Council