Bengoh Dam to produce electricity?

A boat gliding through the water across the Bengoh Dam reservoir.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Oct 23: The possibility of utilising Bengoh Dam to generate electricity apart from its primary function of supplying water is being explored.

Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the State is committed to embracing innovation in its water and energy systems, which includes exploring new technologies in wastewater treatment to ensure the systems are as forward-thinking as possible.

“For instance, we are in the process of developing a new centralised sewage treatment plant in Bintulu while exploring potential of generating bio-gas as a renewable energy source.

“The existing Bengoh Water Supply Dam is also being explored for dual purposes—water supply as currently its main purpose, and hydropower generation as its secondary purpose,” he said when officiating at Borneo International Water and Wastewater Exhibition and Conference 2024 (BIWWEC 2024) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.

Additionally, he said Sarawak has identified 12 river basins as potential sites for cascading power sources and numerous sites with suitable geographical topography for pumped hydro energy storage (PHES).

Abang Johari also revealed that Sarawak is making significant strides in adopting smart water management systems which leverage real-time data and advanced analytics to improve efficiency and reduce water loss.

“A notable example of this innovation is the implementation of smart water meters in Kuching, Samarahan and Serian which allow for remote reading.

“By providing real-time data on water usage, these meters enable us to quickly identify and address leaks, conserve valuable water resources and reduce operational costs,” he added.

Abang Johari also stated that there can be indirect purposes for water bodies especially from sizeable hydropower reservoirs which can be utilised for aqua-culture and eco-tourism activities.

The water reservoirs at the Bakun and Murum dams, and in the near future Baleh Dam, he elaborated, will provide huge areas for floating solar installations which can be utilised for pumped hydro energy storage.

“This huge potential of solar resources can be used to pump water and subsequently utilised to generate power during unavailability of sunlight, thereby providing additional and sustainable energy for Sarawak,” he emphasised.

Amongst those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi and BIWWEC 2024 organising chairperson Rodziah Mohamad. — DayakDaily