KUCHING: Sarawak plans to certify its major hydropower plants under the international Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS) by 2030, ensuring alignment with global best practices, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said this comes after the state's flagship Bakun hydroelectric plant (HEP) was awarded silver certification under HSS this year, becoming the largest hydropower plant in South-East Asia to receive the accreditation.
"This underscores our adherence to rigorous environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria across the whole project lifecycle," he said at the international conference on dam safety management and engineering here on Wednesday (Nov 5).
His speech was read out by state Deputy Utility Minister Datuk Ibrahim Baki.
The HSS silver certification was presented to Sarawak Energy Bhd on Sept 3 after an independent assessment by the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance, which highlighted Bakun HEP’s strengths in key sustainability areas, including community engagement, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and governance.
Managed by the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance, the HSS is an assessment and certification framework that ensures accountability in hydropower development.
Abang Johari said Bakun HEP also recently won the International Hydropower Association's Blue Planet Prize 2025 in recognition of its excellence in sustainable hydropower development and operation.
"This reinforces our credibility as a trusted, responsible clean energy partner for the region," he said, adding that the commitment to certify other hydropower plants supported Sarawak's ambition to be Asean's renewable energy powerhouse.
Abang Johari reiterated that sustainability was the foundation of Sarawak's renewable energy journey.
He said the state was committed to protecting its environment, communities and future generations in expanding its renewable generation and cross-border interconnections.
"(Bakun HEP's) achievements reaffirm that large-scale hydropower, when planned, developed and operated responsibly, can deliver both reliable and affordable energy and measurable sustainability outcomes," he said.
Abang Johari also said Sarawak's dams were driving a dynamic energy transition, moving beyond hydropower to integrated green energy platforms.
He cited Batang Ai HEP as an example, with a 50MW floating solar farm on its reservoir.
"This hydrosolar approach allows us to diversify power without requiring new land, optimise land use by generating more clean energy from a single footprint, and enhance water management by reducing reservoir water evaporation," he said.
He added that this renewable power was not only for Sarawak but also contributed to regional energy security under the Asean Power Grid.
