Controlled water release from Bakun HEP to begin Oct 24

KUCHING (Oct 22): Sarawak Energy will initiate a controlled release of water from the 2,520MW Bakun Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) reservoir on Oct 24, a process that will last until Nov 13.

In a release, the utility company said the annual exercise is aimed at managing water levels both upstream and downstream and will span three weeks.

In line with Sarawak Rivers Board regulations, it said Sarawak Energy has obtained the necessary approvals for the release and informed affected communities through public notices and social media channels two days prior to commencement.

“Seasonal release of water is part of the hydropower operator’s annual standard practice to manage and regulate water levels upstream and downstream of the facility. This results in improved water level management both upstream and downstream, supporting river navigation during the dry seasons where relevant, and flood mitigation during rainy periods.

“Since the commissioning of Bakun HEP, the severity of downstream flooding for the Rajang River has been minimised.

“During this period, there will be a rise in river levels downstream of Bakun HEP. The volume of water released will be carefully managed to minimise downstream impact. Residents in these areas are advised to exercise caution as water levels and currents may be affected,” it said.

Sarawak Energy employs a dynamic water dispatch management system, introduced in 2020, to optimise reservoir management.

This system utilises weather forecasts and inflow data to predict water levels and weather patterns up to six months ahead. The same system is in use at the company’s other hydropower facilities – Batang Ai, Murum and Bakun.

All of Sarawak Energy’s hydroelectric operations adhere to guidelines set by the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) and the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS).