NEWS & UPDATES

KUCHING
13 OCTOBER 2026

Sarawak Energy celebrated Global Hydropower Day 2026 at its 2,520 MW Bakun Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) on 10 October 2026, bringing together community leaders and members of the local communities from Bakun and Murum to recognise the role of sustainable hydropower in supporting Sarawak’s development and the wellbeing of the communities it serves.

Held under the theme “Powering Progress: Strengthening Communities”, the celebration recognised the contribution of hydropower to Sarawak’s economic growth and the importance of maintaining close partnerships with local communities.

Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer Designate Dato Ruslan Abdul Ghani said Global Hydropower Day provides an opportunity to recognise both hydropower’s role in Sarawak’s development and the contribution of the local communities to the success of its operations.

“Behind the benefits delivered by Bakun and Murum HEPs are the communities who have been part of their journey. Their partnership is essential to the responsible operation of these facilities, and occasions like this allow us to listen to their perspectives, better understand their experiences and strengthen our relationships with them,” he said in his speech during the celebration event at Bakun HEP.

He added that Sarawak Energy remains committed to working closely with communities in the Belaga and Murum areas to ensure that the benefits of hydropower extend beyond electricity generation and contribute meaningfully to local socio-economic development and environmental stewardship.

The Global Hydropower Day celebration featured interactive exhibitions, technical presentations, educational activities and guided tours of the hydropower facilities, giving participants first-hand exposure to hydropower operations and contribution to the State’s development.

The programme also provided students from the surrounding areas with opportunities to engage with industry professionals, learn about career pathways and innovation in the energy sector, while strengthening understanding of renewable energy and its applications.

Bakun HEP has played a significant role in Sarawak’s development since its full commissioning in 2014. Since Sarawak Energy’s acquisition of Bakun HEP in 2017, the plant has been operated together with Murum HEP as an integrated hydropower system, strengthening Sarawak’s ability to manage its renewable energy resources and support the state’s long-term development.

Beyond electricity generation, Sarawak Energy continues to work with communities in the Belaga and Murum areas through initiatives supporting education, livelihoods, environmental conservation and the preservation local culture and heritage.

In collaboration with the Bakun Charitable Trust Fund, Sarawak Energy supports two education funds aimed at improving educational opportunities for communities in Bakun and Murum, particularly students from rural areas.

Other initiatives include the Adopted Longhouse Programme and support for local handicraft development, helping community members build skills and expand livelihood opportunities. These efforts include handicraft training, digital marketing courses and participation in local and national exhibitions to promote traditional crafts.

“Our responsibility goes beyond the infrastructure we operate. It includes investing in people, building capacity and supporting communities so that they can create sustainable opportunities for themselves,” said Dato Ruslan.

Bakun’s sustainability practices have also received international recognition. In 2025, Bakun HEP achieved Silver Certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS), following an independent assessment by the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance.

The plant was subsequently awarded the 2025 International Hydropower Association (IHA)'s Blue Planet Prize, presented in Paris during the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower. The award recognises hydropower facilities who demonstrate exemplary sustainability practices based on independent assessment under the HSS.

As an IHA member since 2010, Sarawak Energy continues to align its hydropower development and operations with internationally recognised sustainability benchmarks. All Sarawak Energy hydropower assets adhere to the guidelines of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) and the HSS, while Bakun’s operations are supported by internal and external monitoring systems to maintain safety, environmental integrity and long-term operational performance.

Celebrated annually on 11 October, Global Hydropower Day is spearheaded by the IHA to raise awareness of hydropower’s contribution to sustainable development and its role in the global energy transition. Sarawak Energy has participated in the observance since its inauguration in 2022.

Speaking at the event, Dato Ruslan said Global Hydropower Day is an opportunity to recognise hydropower’s vital role in Sarawak’s development, as well as the contributions of local communities that have supported the success of its operations.

Dato Ruslan presenting a certificate and prize to a student winner of the Photography Contest held in conjunction with the Global Hydropower Day celebration at Bakun HEP.

Sarawak Energy Group Executive Committee members and employees joined invited local community representatives and student winners of the Photography Contest for a group photo during the Global Hydropower Day celebration at Bakun HEP.

Dato Ruslan engages with local community members during the Global Hydropower Day celebration.

Dato Ruslan, together with representatives from SEB Power Sdn Bhd, the generation arm of Sarawak Energy, browses an exhibition booth featured at the Global Hydropower Day celebration.