(Paris, 11th) Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, Group CEO of Sarawak Energy, recently attended the "2025 International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower" in Paris, joining global leaders to discuss the pivotal role of long-duration energy storage in driving the global energy transition.
The forum was held on September 9-10 at UNESCO Headquarters, organized by the International Hydropower Association (IHA). It brought together government representatives, industry leaders and technical experts, placing strong emphasis on pumped storage hydropower as a mature solution for grid stability and large-scale renewable energy integration.
During the September 10 panel discussion "Setting the Pace: The Rise of East Asia," Sharbini shared Sarawak's journey from reliance on fossil fuel-based systems to a transition dominated by renewable hydropower. Building on this foundation, Sarawak Energy is expanding its solar portfolio and conducting feasibility studies on pumped storage hydropower at Bakun in Bintulu, Murum, and Batang Ai.
He highlighted that energy storage is not only a complement to renewables, but also a strategic enabler for system flexibility, resilience, and long-term reliability.
This session also spotlighted East Asia as the "engine" of global pumped storage hydropower development. Led by China, with Japan and South Korea also operating substantial pumped storage facilities, the region accounts for nearly half of the world's installed capacity—and an even greater share of projects under construction. Against this backdrop, Sarawak's approach reflects Southeast Asia's proactive preparations to scale up long-duration storage solutions, supporting intermittent renewables integration, managing volatility, and enhancing grid interconnection.
Sharbini also reaffirmed Sarawak Energy's commitment to internationally recognized best practices, mentioning that the Bakun Hydroelectric Plant received Silver-level certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS), making it the largest plant in Southeast Asia to attain such certification.
Currently, Sarawak’s total installed generation capacity stands at around 5,900 MW, mainly reliant on sustainable hydropower, supplemented by local thermal resources to ensure energy security and supply diversity. This balanced strategy supports Sarawak’s commitment to sustainability, while also meeting the region’s steadily growing energy demands. The state aims to reach 10,000 MW of installed capacity by 2030, with main sources including hydropower, solar, and biomass.
From the perspective of long-term system needs, he stated that pumped storage hydropower helps strengthen energy trade and grid interconnection across Southeast Asia, propelling Sarawak to realize its vision as a renewable energy powerhouse and the "Battery of ASEAN." Through cross-border interconnection, Sarawak Energy aims to stably supply clean electricity to neighboring countries while overcoming the challenges of intermittent renewables.
The panel discussion was chaired by Xie Lei, Energy Policy Manager and China Regional Lead at IHA. Other panelists included Erik Solheim, IHA Director and Chair of the Belt and Road Initiative for Green Development, Eakarat Samintarapanya, Assistant Director of Power Plant Planning at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Yu Xianhua, Deputy Chief Economist of State Grid Xinyuan Company, and Han Changlin, Deputy General Manager of Beijing HydroScience Technology Company.
The forum was held on September 9-10 at UNESCO Headquarters, organized by the International Hydropower Association (IHA). It brought together government representatives, industry leaders and technical experts, placing strong emphasis on pumped storage hydropower as a mature solution for grid stability and large-scale renewable energy integration.
During the September 10 panel discussion "Setting the Pace: The Rise of East Asia," Sharbini shared Sarawak's journey from reliance on fossil fuel-based systems to a transition dominated by renewable hydropower. Building on this foundation, Sarawak Energy is expanding its solar portfolio and conducting feasibility studies on pumped storage hydropower at Bakun in Bintulu, Murum, and Batang Ai.
He highlighted that energy storage is not only a complement to renewables, but also a strategic enabler for system flexibility, resilience, and long-term reliability.
This session also spotlighted East Asia as the "engine" of global pumped storage hydropower development. Led by China, with Japan and South Korea also operating substantial pumped storage facilities, the region accounts for nearly half of the world's installed capacity—and an even greater share of projects under construction. Against this backdrop, Sarawak's approach reflects Southeast Asia's proactive preparations to scale up long-duration storage solutions, supporting intermittent renewables integration, managing volatility, and enhancing grid interconnection.
Sharbini also reaffirmed Sarawak Energy's commitment to internationally recognized best practices, mentioning that the Bakun Hydroelectric Plant received Silver-level certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS), making it the largest plant in Southeast Asia to attain such certification.
Currently, Sarawak’s total installed generation capacity stands at around 5,900 MW, mainly reliant on sustainable hydropower, supplemented by local thermal resources to ensure energy security and supply diversity. This balanced strategy supports Sarawak’s commitment to sustainability, while also meeting the region’s steadily growing energy demands. The state aims to reach 10,000 MW of installed capacity by 2030, with main sources including hydropower, solar, and biomass.
From the perspective of long-term system needs, he stated that pumped storage hydropower helps strengthen energy trade and grid interconnection across Southeast Asia, propelling Sarawak to realize its vision as a renewable energy powerhouse and the "Battery of ASEAN." Through cross-border interconnection, Sarawak Energy aims to stably supply clean electricity to neighboring countries while overcoming the challenges of intermittent renewables.
The panel discussion was chaired by Xie Lei, Energy Policy Manager and China Regional Lead at IHA. Other panelists included Erik Solheim, IHA Director and Chair of the Belt and Road Initiative for Green Development, Eakarat Samintarapanya, Assistant Director of Power Plant Planning at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Yu Xianhua, Deputy Chief Economist of State Grid Xinyuan Company, and Han Changlin, Deputy General Manager of Beijing HydroScience Technology Company.