NEWS & UPDATE

KUCHING
6 FEBRUARY 2025

Guided by the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), Sarawak relies on affordable, accessible and reliable energy to drive progress. Sarawak Energy, powered by renewable hydropower and complemented by thermal resources, plays a key role in supporting growth while prioritising social and environmental stewardship.

Sarawak Energy’s Bakun Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) has been instrumental in advancing renewable energy in the region. Located on the Batang Balui – the upper course of the Rajang River – 37km upstream from Belaga, the 2,520MW facility is Malaysia’s largest hydroelectric plant. It also supplies renewable energy to industries in Samalaju through the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), contributing to the state’s industrial and economic development.

“Our hydropower development aligns with the principles emphasised in the San José Declaration, focusing on sustainable hydropower that carefully balances energy needs with environmental and social considerations, while ensuring it benefits both communities and the environment,” said Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili, Group Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Energy.

Bakun HEP’s operations include a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that focuses on water quality, aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity conservation to minimise potential environmental impacts while protecting the environment. Beyond this, the plant has contributed to socio-economic development of host communities by enhancing public infrastructure, improving access to education and healthcare, and creating employment opportunities for surrounding communities.

Additionally, Bakun HEP supports Sarawak Energy’s rural electrification efforts, enabling access to electricity for remote communities and improving the quality of life for the people of Sarawak. Sarawak Energy’s biodiversity programmes also foster eco-tourism and research opportunities, benefiting local communities while raising awareness on environmental conservation.

Meanwhile, the Sejingkat Power Plant plays an important role not only in enhancing energy security but also in supporting environmental conservation efforts. As Borneo’s first and Malaysia’s second coal-fired power plant, the 150MW facility operates with robust environmental management measures including resin regeneration and wastewater treatment processes. The plant is also located near mudflats, which are coastal wetlands that provide vital habitats for wildlife, including migratory birds. Recognised as Malaysia’s first ‘East Asian-Australasian Flyway Network Site,’ the Sejingkat mudflats are an important stopover for birds travelling along the migration route from the Arctic to Australia, highlighting the area’s ecological significance and the need for conservation.

The Sejingkat Power Plant also houses the CHITOSE Carbon Capture Central (C4) Sarawak – a collaboration between Sarawak Energy, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre and Japan’s CHITOSE Group. The facility utilises flue gas from the coal-fired power plant to cultivate microalgae, contributing to carbon capture and the production of renewable products such as biofuels and dry biomass, among others. More importantly, the initiative reduces emissions by 450 tonnes of CO2 annually while creating employment opportunities and supporting environmental sustainability.

In addition to this, Sejingkat Power Plant is home to Malaysia’s first utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which enhances grid stability and support renewable energy integration. The plant is also exploring a shift from coal to biomass as a more sustainable fuel source, supporting Sarawak’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing environmentally responsible power generation.

These initiatives were highlighted at the 11th Premier of Sarawak Environmental Award (PSEA) 2025, where the Bakun HEP and Sejingkat Power Plant were recognised with Gold Awards under the Large Enterprise & Government Linked Companies category, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to environmental management and sustainable innovation. Other Sarawak Energy facilities, namely Batang Ai HEP, Murum HEP, ⁠Mukah Power Plant and Tanjung Kidurong Power Plant, also received Merit Awards under the same category.

“We are honoured to receive these awards, which recognise our efforts in supporting sustainable development. This recognition encourages us to continue working responsibly, advancing renewable energy while prioritising environmental and social considerations in our operations for the benefit of Sarawak’s communities,” said Datuk Haji Sharbini.

Themed “Incorporating Environmental Sustainability into Practices,” this year’s PSEA saw more than 200 entries across eight categories and sub-categories. The award ceremony, officiated by the Premier of Sarawak, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, highlighted the importance of embedding sustainable practices into daily activities and decision-making processes.

Sarawak Energy remains committed to strengthening its efforts in renewable energy and environmental management while ensuring reliable and secure electricity for the people of Sarawak.

Located on the Batang Balui – the upper course of the Rajang River – 37km upstream from Belaga, Sarawak Energy’s 2,520MW Bakun Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) is Malaysia’s largest hydroelectric plant and is instrumental in driving the growth of renewable energy in the region.

Sarawak Energy’s Sejingkat Power Plant, Borneo’s first and Malaysia’s second coal-fired power facility, generates 150MW while strengthening energy security.

Sarawak Energy representatives, led by Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili (7th from left), at the 11th Premier of Sarawak Environmental Award (PSEA) 2025, where Bakun HEP and Sejingkat Power Plant were honoured with Gold Awards under the Large Enterprise & Government-Linked Companies category for their excellence in environmental management and sustainable innovation.