Bakun Hydroelectric Project
Project details
Project name: Bakun Hydroelectric Project
Project location: Belaga District, Sarawak
Installed capacity: 2 520 MW
Project owner: Sarawak Energy (SEB)
Assessment details
Assessment tool: Hydropower Sustainability Standard
Assessment stage: Operation
Assessment date: 2 - 9 July 2024
Assessor team
Sustainability assessment overview
The Bakun Hydroelectric Project (HEP) began operations in 2011 and was fully commissioned in 2014. Since acquiring the project in 2017, Sarawak Energy (SEB) has extended its sustainability systems to Bakun HEP, strengthening environmental management, stakeholder engagement, and biodiversity initiatives.
An assessment in 2024 identified gaps in meeting the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS), particularly in social and environmental areas. SEB has since taken steps to address these, including improving community engagement, enhancing water quality and dam safety measures, and expanding ESG reporting. Some challenges remain, particularly related to social impacts, but efforts to address them are ongoing.
The public consultation period for the Assessment Report of the Bakun Hydroelectric Project is open from 10 April to 10 June 2025.
Photo evidence of the distribution of the assessment report to provide comments is available here.
