Pumped storage hydropower studies at Murum, Bakun, Padawan to drive S’wak’s 15GW target by 2035

KUCHING, Sept 10: Sarawak is advancing studies on potential pumped storage hydropower (PSH) sites at Murum and Bakun reservoirs, as well as the Padawan region, with feasibility assessments scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted this in keynote address, “Driving the Energy Transition: Sarawak’s Roadmap for Renewable and Sustainable Growth”, at the opening plenary of the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower 2025, hosted by the International Hydropower Association (IHA) at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris yesterday.
“PSH will play an important role in Sarawak’s energy transition, supporting our target of reaching 15GW (of generation capacity) by 2035.

“Sarawak Energy is currently progressing PSH studies to build flexibility into the system, strengthen reliability and accommodate more renewable generation,” he said.

Abang Johari emphasised that the ongoing PSH studies are informed by international best practices, including insights gained from a recent study mission to Snowy Hydro in New South Wales, Australia.

“Snowy Hydro’s experience in cycling water between reservoirs to generate and store electricity is helping guide our feasibility studies and stakeholder discussions,” he explained.

PSH is expected to enhance grid stability, support renewable growth, enable clean hydrogen production, and provide the adaptability required for future energy systems.

“Let us reaffirm our commitment to a sustainable energy future. Pumped storage hydropower is more than a technical solution; it is an investment in resilience, reliability and shared prosperity,” he said.
The Premier also highlighted Sarawak’s broader renewable energy strategy with hydropower continues to form the backbone of the State’s electricity generation, with facilities including Batang Ai, Bakun, Murum, and the upcoming Baleh hydropower plants operated in accordance with international standards.

He shared that Bakun HEP was recently certified under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS), becoming Southeast Asia’s largest HSS-certified hydroelectric plant.

“Alongside this, we are advancing large-scale floating solar and pilot biomass initiatives, while working to extend energy access to rural and off-grid communities. These efforts may be modest in scale, but they illustrate how the energy transition is already delivering practical benefits today, even as we prepare for the challenges ahead,” he said.

At the same time, he pointd out that Sarawak continues to maintain indigenous thermal resources to safeguard energy security and ensure a balanced and diverse supply portfolio.

Innovative projects such as the 50MW floating solar farm at Batang Ai, Malaysia’s first of its kind, and the 60MWh Sejingkat Battery Energy Storage System, the nation’s first utility-scale BESS, exemplify hybrid energy solutions combining hydro and solar technologies.

“Looking ahead, we hope to scale up solar capacity through floating and ground-mounted installations, supported by energy storage systems,” he said.

Abang Johari added that Sarawak is also pursuing cascading run-of-river hydro developments, identifying several sites with a combined potential of up to 3GW.

Concluding his address, the Premier reaffirmed Sarawak’s commitment to regional and international collaboration in driving sustainable energy growth.

“Sarawak is ready to work with partners across the region and beyond – to share knowledge, to innovate, and to contribute to Southeast Asia’s energy transition,” he said, underscoring the State’s vision of a resilient, reliable, and diverse energy future.

Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy and PETROS) Dato Ibrahim Baki and Sarawak Energy Group chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili were among the Sarawak delegation.