INGENIEUR
Sarawak’s first hydroelectric plant stands the
test of time producing reliable, renewable energy
after 30 years in operation.
On August 21, 2015 Batang Ai hydroelectric
plant celebrated 30 years of operational
excellence.
Nine mini hydropower schemes with a total
installed capacity of about 2,550kW and two
small hydropower schemes with a total installed
capacity of 4,500kW have also been implemented
in the State.
Currently, the Baleh HEP (see Figure 3),
another large hydropower scheme with an installed
capacity of 1,285MW, has been developed to the
pre-engineering phase and is pending approval
to begin construction. The initial generation is
expected in 2024.
The current development status of hydropower
development in Sarawak is presented in Figure
5. The next section of this article will describe the
Murum HEP development.
MURUM HYROELECTRIC PROJECT
The Murum Hydroelectric Project (Murum HEP)
is located on the Murum River, a tributary of the
mighty Rajang River, upstream of Bakun HEP (See
Figure 5) in the Belaga District, approximately
200 km from Bintulu. The scheme layout of the
Murum HEP was developed to suit the favourable
topographic conditions of the project site. A large
reservoir was created by an impounding structure
(the dam) located in the narrow gorge at the
dam site of the Murum River. The reach of the
river downstream of the dam site with numerous
waterfalls and rapids provides further head for
development. The powerhouse is located well
downstream of the dam site taking advantage of
the natural head in the river for power generation.
Baleh HEP
Catchment Area
5,625km2
Reservoir Area
588km2
Full Supply Level
220masl
Dam Type
Concrete Faced
Rockfill Dam (CFRD)
Dam Height
188m
Installed Capacity
1,285MW
Construction Period 8 – 9 years
Figure 3: An artist impression of Baleh
Hydroelectric Project
Murum HEP
Catchment Area 2,750km2
Reservoir Area
245km2
Full Supply Level 540masl
Dam Type
Roller
Compacted
Concrete
Dam (RCC)
Dam Height
140m
Installed
944MW
Capacity
Figure 4: An artist impression of Murum Hydroelectric Project
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VOL
VOL67
55JULY-SEPTEMBER
JUNE 2013 2016