Three hydropower projects from Malaysia, the UK and Nepal have received the IHA Blue Planet Prize 2025, the most prestigious award in the industry for sustainability performance.
The winners were announced in Paris at the International Forum on Pumped Storage.
The awards went to the Bakun Hydroelectric Project in Malaysia, which took the main prize; the Coire Glas Hydropower Project in Scotland, UK, recognised in the pumped storage category; and the Mai Beni Hydropower Project in Nepal, recognised in the small hydropower category.
The IHA Blue Planet Prize is awarded to projects that meet the Hydropower Sustainability Standard, which requires evidence of good practice across all topics and a process of public consultation.
Bakun hydroelectric project
Commissioned in 2014 and acquired by Sarawak Energy in 2017, the 2,400MW Bakun project has undergone improvements in environmental and social practices. A 2024 assessment highlighted areas for strengthening, including community engagement, water quality and dam safety. Sarawak Energy introduced action plans to address these issues, leading to Silver certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard in 2025.
Eddie Rich, CEO of the International Hydropower Association (IHA), said: “Bakun shows what can be achieved when a project commits to continuous improvement as a long-term vision. By embedding 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.”
The Premier of Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, said: “The recognition of the Bakun Hydroelectric Project with the IHA Blue Planet Prize is a proud moment for Sarawak and Malaysia. It reflects our commitment to balancing development with sustainability and to ensuring that hydropower brings lasting benefits to our people, our environment and our economy.
“This award is a testament to the dedication of Sarawak Energy and our wider community in embedding international best practice into the heart of one of the region’s most important renewable energy assets.”
Coire Glas hydropower project
The proposed 1,500MW Coire Glas project on Loch Lochy in the Scottish Highlands, being developed by SSE Renewables, would be the UK’s largest long-duration energy storage facility if approved. In August 2025, it became the first pumped storage project worldwide to achieve Gold certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.
Eddie Rich said: “Coire Glas shows what can be achieved when a project is planned and managed over time with a focus on doing things the right way. SSE has taken care to embed sustainability into the project from the very earliest stages, consulting thoroughly and planning for environmental and social impacts. This award recognises the leadership and dedication needed to deliver pumped storage responsibly and ensure it plays a fundamental role in the clean and secure energy transition.”
Mike Seaton, Coire Glas Project Director, said: “We’re extremely proud our Coire Glas project has been awarded the IHA Blue Planet Prize 2025 for pumped storage. Our entire project team and contractors have dedicated themselves to building sustainability into every stage of the planning for this world-class project, including environmental and social outcomes. This has resulted in Coire Glas becoming the first pumped storage hydropower project in the world to be Gold certified under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.
“Although an investable policy mechanism is still needed for the project to progress to FID, Coire Glas can play a crucial role in meeting UK and Scottish Net Zero targets. This award demonstrates that vital energy infrastructure can be developed with sustainability at its core and is testament to the shared diligence and dedication of our team and contractors in doing the right thing by people and the planet in every stage of the project’s design.”
Mai Beni hydropower project
The 9.5MW Mai Beni project in eastern Nepal, operated by Urja Developers and Samling Power Company, achieved Gold certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard in 2024. The project has delivered infrastructure upgrades, strengthened emergency preparedness, created jobs, and minimised biodiversity impacts in a sensitive river basin.
Eddie Rich said: “Mai Beni shows how small hydropower projects can make a big difference when there is a long-term commitment to responsible development. By having environmental and social expertise on the ground and working closely with local communities, Urja Developers and Samling Power have shown how you can develop projects that deliver real benefits for communities and ecosystems. I congratulate all involved on this highly deserved achievement.”
