BAKUN HYDROELECTRIC PLANT
Bakun HEP Assessment
Project Details
- Project Name: Bakun Hydroelectric Project
- Project Location: Belaga District, Kapit Division, State of Sarawak, Malaysia
- Installed Capacity: 2,520MW
- Owner: Sarawak Energy
Assessment Details
- Assessment tool: Hydropower Sustainability Standard
- Assessment Stage: Operation
- Assessment Date: 2 – 9 July 2024
Assessors
- Doug Smith, Accredited Lead Assessor
- Helen Locher, Accredited Assessor
- Tashi Pem, Provisionally Accredited Assessor
An independent third-party assessment of the Bakun HEP was conducted by a team of Accredited Assessors.
The assessment process involved gathering objective evidence from various sources to ensure an unbiased, evidence-based evaluation of the project’s sustainability performance in accordance with the performance requirements of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.
As part of the HSS certification process, the preliminary assessment report must undergo a 60-day public consultation period, allowing stakeholders to review its findings and provide feedback.
The public consultation period for the Preliminary Assessment Report of the Bakun HEP is open from 10 April to 10 June 2025.
To access the reports and feedback form, please refer to the following documents and links:
Preliminary Assessment Report
- English version: Here
Report Summary
Gap Resolution Report
- English version: Here
Online Feedback Form
Please note that anonymous comments or those submitted from fictitious accounts will not be considered in the final compilation of comments and responses. All comments will be addressed by Accredited Assessors and responses will be published on the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance (HSA) website.
Report Distribution Mechanism: Here
Comment mailboxes and printed copies of the Preliminary Assessment Report, available in English and Bahasa Melayu, can be accessed at the following offices:
- Kapit Resident Office
- Belaga District Office
- Belaga Sub-District Office, Sungai Asap
- Bakun HEP Office
Hydropower Sustainability Alliance
The HSA is a global, multi-stakeholder non-profit organisation that brings together representatives from governments, industry, civil society and financial institutions to advance sustainability in the hydropower sector. HSA administers the HSS, an assessment and certification framework that evaluates and enhances the ESG performance of hydropower projects worldwide. Through this standard and its capacity-building programmes, HSA promotes transparency and best practices, ensuring that hydropower development and operations are socially responsible, environmentally sustainable and economically viable.
Hydropower Sustainability Standard
The HSA is a globally recognised certification system that ensures accountability upstream and provides assurance downstream across the hydropower value chain. It enables stakeholders - including developers, operators, financiers and governments - to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
The Standard evaluates projects across 12 ESG sections at two performance levels: good practice and best practice. Each section is guided by clear principles and scope statements, ensuring transparency and consistency in the assessment process. By adopting the HSS, stakeholders can strengthen their ESG performance and align with global best practices.