SARAWAK HIDRO helps communities surrounding Bakun hydroelectric plant
Hydroelectricity can provide impetus to the growth of entire communities. The Bakun hydroelectric plant in Sarawak, Malaysia boasts an installed capacity of up to 2,400mw. The government of Malaysia has mandated independent power producer, SARAWAK HIDRO, to develop, complete and operate the Bakun hydroelectric plant.
"The plant has enabled the people around Bakun to enjoy higher standards of living through a newly developed township with better infrastructure and facilities," says Zulkifle Osman, SARAWAK HIDRO managing director.
Since 2002, SARAWAK HIDRO has collaborated with the Malaysia-China Hydro Joint Venture to complete the main civil works. The joint venture with Sinohydro was headed by Sime Engineering, a subsidiary of Sime Darby. SARAWAK HIDRO also has technical partnerships with international energy players Impsa, SMEC and Alstom.
These partnerships enabled SARAWAK HIDRO to build eight Francis turbine units that are capable of producing up to 300mw each. With such mega power, the Bakun hydroelectric plant has the capability to support the supply of electricity to Peninsular Malaysia and Brunei.
To promote best industry practices in producing efficient energy, SARAWAK HIDRO opens itself to partnerships with companies in the electromechanical and hydroelectric fields to continuously upgrade its technology.
SARAWAK HIDRO is also in consultation with energy experts Tenaga Nasional and the National Resources and Environment Board of Sarawak to manage Bakun Dam's impact on the environment.
Communities around Bakun should share in the economic benefits arising from the power plant. The plant supports the industrialisation plan for the state of Sarawak by 2020 as part of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy.
By providing a relatively low electricity tariff, SARAWAK HIDRO has helped to ensure that the communities enjoy affordable housing, schools and hospitals. This development also creates jobs for the locals.
"Hydropower is a tool to develop people," Osman says. "It improves the quality of life of communities."
SARAWAK HIDRO
www.sarawak-hidro.com