NEWS & UPDATE

PARIS, FRANCE
10 SEPTEMBER 2025

Sarawak Energy’s 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 (9 September) during the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower, organised by the IHA. The event brought together leaders from governments, industry, finance and civil society to advance the role of pumped storage and hydropower in supporting the global energy transition.

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 1 July 2023 and 13 June 2025.

“Receiving the IHA Blue Planet Prize for Bakun HEP reflects Sarawak Energy’s commitment to embedding sustainability across our 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. Sarawak Energy is committed to certifying all hydropower plants by 2030,” said Sarawak Energy’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili.

Eddie Rich, Chief Executive Officer of the IHA, commented: “Bakun shows what can be achieved when a project commits to continuous improvement as a long-term vision. By adapting sustainability practices throughout its operations and closing gaps identified through the assessment process, Sarawak Energy has demonstrated that hydropower can deliver positive outcomes for communities and the environment. This award is richly deserved.”

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, Sarawak Energy 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 3 September during the Sustainability & Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF) 4.0 in Kuching, witnessed by the Premier of Sarawak, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.

Beyond hydropower, Sarawak Energy is also the first South-East Asian global Patron of the World Energy Council, formalised in March 2024. In this role, the company supports the Council’s efforts to catalyse global energy transitions and contributes insights on energy policy, innovation and sustainability strategies.

The Honourable Dato Haji Ibrahim Haji Baki, Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy and PETROS) Sarawak and Chairman of Sarawak Energy (centre) received the IHA Blue Planet Prize 2025 for Bakun Hydroelectric Plant from Malcolm Turnbull (left), President of the International Hydropower Association and former Prime Minister of Australia. Also pictured is Sarawak Energy Group CEO Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili (right). The presentation took place at the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower in Paris, France

Team Sarawak Energy together with The Honourable Dato Haji Ibrahim bin Haji Baki, Chairman of Sarawak Energy and Deputy Minister for Utility (fourth left) and Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili (third left) posing for a photo after receiving the IHA Blue Planet Prize 2025 for Bakun Hydroelectric Plant at the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower in Paris