KUCHING, Feb 6: The Bakun Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) and Sejingkat Power Plant are integral to Sarawak Energy’s renewable energy portfolio, playing a transformative role in the region’s progress and sustainable development while upholding social and environmental stewardship.

Guided by the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), these facilities exemplify Sarawak Energy’s commitment to delivering affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy, ensuring a balanced approach that benefits communities, industries, and the environment alike.

Both the Bakun HEP and Sejingkat Power Plant were recently honoured with Gold Awards at the 11th Premier of Sarawak Environmental Award (PSEA) 2025 in the Large Enterprise & Government Linked Companies category. This recognition highlights their outstanding contributions to environmental management and sustainable innovation.

Additionally, other Sarawak Energy facilities, including Batang Ai HEP, Murum HEP, Mukah Power Plant, and Tanjung Kidurong Power Plant, received Merit Awards in the same category.

Themed “Incorporating Environmental Sustainability into Practices”, this year’s PSEA attracted over 200 entries across eight categories. The award ceremony, officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, underscored the importance of embedding sustainable practices into daily activities and decision-making processes.

“We are deeply honored by this recognition, which reflects our commitment to sustainable development. It motivates us to continue advancing renewable energy while prioritizing environmental and social considerations in our operations for the benefit of Sarawak’s communities,” said Sarawak Energy Group chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili in a media release today.

Bakun HEP: A cornerstone of renewable energy

The Bakun HEP, located on the Batang Balui—the upper course of the Rajang River—37 kilometres upstream from Belaga, stands as Malaysia’s largest hydroelectric facility with a capacity of 2,520MW.

This landmark project has been instrumental in advancing renewable energy in Sarawak. It supplies clean energy to industries in Samalaju via the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), significantly 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,” Sharbini emphasised.

Bakun HEP operates under a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (EMP), which prioritises water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and biodiversity conservation to minimise environmental impacts.

Beyond its environmental efforts, the plant has driven socio-economic development in host communities by enhancing public infrastructure, improving access to education and healthcare, and creating employment opportunities.

Additionally, Bakun HEP supports Sarawak Energy’s rural electrification initiatives, bringing electricity to remote communities and improving the quality of life for Sarawak’s residents.

Sarawak Energy’s biodiversity programmes further promote eco-tourism and research opportunities, benefiting local communities while raising awareness about environmental conservation.

Sejingkat Power Plant: Enhancing energy security and sustainability

The Sejingkat Power Plant, Borneo’s first and Malaysia’s second coal-fired power plant, plays a dual role in enhancing energy security and supporting environmental conservation.

The 150MW facility employs robust environmental management measures, including resin regeneration and wastewater treatment processes.

Situated near mudflats—a vital coastal wetland habitat for wildlife, including migratory birds—the plant is adjacent to Malaysia’s first ‘East Asian-Australasian Flyway Network Site.’ These mudflats serve as a critical stopover for birds migrating from the Arctic to Australia, underscoring the area’s ecological significance and the need for conservation.

The Sejingkat Power Plant is also home to the CHITOSE Carbon Capture Central (C4) Sarawak, a collaborative initiative between Sarawak Energy, the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, and Japan’s CHITOSE Group.

This facility uses flue gas from the coal-fired plant to cultivate microalgae, contributing to carbon capture and the production of renewable products such as biofuels and dry biomass. The project reduces emissions by 450 tonnes of CO2 annually while creating jobs and supporting environmental sustainability.

In addition, the plant hosts Malaysia’s first utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which enhances grid stability and facilitates renewable energy integration.

The facility is also exploring a transition from coal to biomass as a more sustainable fuel source, aligning with Sarawak’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmentally responsible power generation. — DayakDaily