NEWS & UPDATE

KUCHING

22 OCTOBER 2024

Sarawak Energy will commence its seasonal controlled release of water from the reservoir of the 2,520MW Bakun Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) from 24 October to 13 November 2024 (3 weeks). In compliance with the Sarawak Rivers Board's requirements, approval is secured from the authority prior to the controlled release. Additionally, the relevant communities are notified through public notices and social media at least two days ahead of the scheduled release.

Seasonal release of water is part of the hydropower operator's annual standard practice to manage and regulate water levels upstream and downstream of the facility. This results in improved water level management both upstream and downstream, supporting river navigation during the dry seasons where relevant and flood mitigation during rainy periods. Since the commissioning of Bakun HEP, the severity of downstream flooding for the Rajang River has been minimised.

During this period, there will be a rise in river levels downstream of Bakun HEP. The volume of water released will be carefully managed to minimise downstream impact. Residents in these areas are advised to exercise caution as water levels and currents may be affected.

Sarawak Energy continues to utilise its dynamic water dispatch management system, implemented in 2020, to enhance reservoir level management. This system integrates weather and inflow forecasts, allowing for more accurate modelling of water releases and predictive weather patterns, providing forecasts for reservoir levels up to six months in advance.

This system is currently employed at Sarawak Energy’s three hydroelectric plants—Batang Ai, Murum, and Bakun. All hydropower facilities operated by Sarawak Energy are guided by the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) and the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS).