Bakun Dam serves as Sarawak’s primary hydropower source. (Photo: Sarawak Energy)
Malaysia’s Sarawak state, rich in hydropower resources, aims to position itself as the region’s “Green Battery” for energy transition. But while its low-carbon push advances, associated infrastructure projects are threatening forests and indigenous livelihoods.
Climate nonprofit RimbaWatch notes that although Sarawak records Malaysia’s lowest carbon emissions, it also suffers the nation’s highest deforestation rate.
Sarawak bets on energy exports amid rising regional demand
Sarawak is Malaysia’s largest state by land area but has fewer than 3 million residents. Its hydropower output already exceeds local demand, with a fourth dam under construction and floating solar capacity steadily expanding. Together with natural gas generation, the state targets a total capacity of 10 GW by 2030.
