The Bakun Hydroelectric Project in Sarawak, Malaysia, has been awarded Silver certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS). The recognition highlights progress in improving sustainability practices and performance across environmental, social and governance (ESG) areas.
The certification was presented to Sarawak Energy at the SAREF 4.0 Sustainability & Renewable Energy Forum on 3 September by James Dalton, Director of the Global Water Programme at the International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN).
Bakun, Southeast Asia’s largest hydropower plant with a capacity of 2520MW, began operations in 2011 and was fully commissioned in 2014. Sarawak Energy acquired the project in 2017 and has since introduced stronger environmental management, stakeholder engagement and biodiversity initiatives. More than 100 staff have also been trained as Certified Users of the HSS.
A baseline assessment of Bakun was conducted internally in 2020, followed by an official HSS assessment in 2024. Both identified gaps, which were addressed through targeted action plans. These included steps to improve community engagement, water quality, dam safety and ESG reporting, leading to the Silver certification.
“Getting a hydropower project certified in Borneo, with its rich cultural and biological diversity, is no easy feat,” said Alain Kilajian, Deputy Executive Director of the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance. “Meeting the Hydropower Sustainability Standard here requires strong environmental mitigations and meaningful consultation with Indigenous Peoples – and Bakun has done exactly that.
“Sarawak Energy has used the HSS to identify gaps, apply targeted action plans and embed best practices across its operations. Bakun’s certification shows how the HSS can be applied to raise project performance and build confidence that hydropower can be done right.”
HSS certification involves independent evaluation through document reviews, interviews and on-site verification. At Bakun, the process included data triangulation and engagement with upstream, downstream and resettled communities.
“The Bakun HSS certification is an important milestone for Sarawak Energy in ensuring that its operations continue to bring positive impact to stakeholders, particularly local communities, regulatory bodies and employees,” said Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili, Sarawak Energy’s Group Chief Executive Officer.
Some social challenges remain at the project, but Sarawak Energy said efforts are ongoing. The company described the Silver certification as part of a longer process of strengthening sustainability practices at hydropower plants.
You can find out more on the Bakun Hydroelectric Plant assessment profile.
