Sarawak Hidro Sdn Bhd and Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) are examining in detail the various technical aspects to ensure smooth transmission of power from Bakun hydroelectric dam in interior Kapit for the use of heavy industries in Samalaju, Bintulu.
Sarawak Hidro managing director Zulkifle Osman (pic) said the technical aspects were related to power generation, connection to the state grid and the receipt of the power by SEB’s substation in Similajau, also in Bintulu.
“This is to ensure there is no hiccups when the distribution of power from Bakun starts (expected in July),” he told StarBiz yesterday.
Zulkifle Osman Sarawak Hidro, the developer of the 2,400MW Bakun dam, and SEB discussed about the technical aspects about 10 days ago, their first meeting since the dam began the impoundment nearly four months ago. Their next meeting is in two weeks.
SEB’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Syarikat SESCo generates, transmits, distributes and supplies power to domestic, commercial and industrial users in Sarawak.
The first 118km long line to transmit power from Bakun dam to Similajau had been completed seven months ago by China’s Sinohydro Corp-Naim Holdings Bhd joint venture (JV). The JV is now constructing the second parallel transmission line, which is expected to be ready in a year.
The transmission lines will be linked to Bakun switchyard, which is connected to the Bakun power house.
According to SEB transmission general manager Victor Wong, the Similajau sub-station is more than 80% completed and will be operational in April this year.
The sub-station, which is part of the state grid, is designed to handle more than 4,000MW, including all the power to be produced by Bakun dam and the 944MW Murum dam. The Murum dam, built by SEB, is expected to be ready in 2013.
Zulkifle said that with good rainfall in the interiors, the Bakun reservoir’s water level had now risen to 171mm.
“The water level is now rising on a slower pace as the surface area is bigger,” he added.
Wet testing of the first of the dam’s eight turbines is scheduled in April when the water level reaches between 185m and 190m. Each of the turbine will produce 300MW.
Zulkifle said Sarawak Hidro and SEB had yet to discuss the Bakun power tariffs, adding, however, that the tariffs should be in place by July.
The federal government, which owns Sarawak Hidro, has agreed to sell the Bakun dam to Sarawak government. Both governments are still on price negotiations.
Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has said that Sarawak was willing to raise its bid for the dam ownership to RM7bil, up from the initial RM6bil, if the federal government could offer a flexi payment mode.
