18/07/2017
KUCHING: Construction of the Baleh Hydroelectric Project (HEP) is targeted to begin next October, with design works expected to start this August.
This comes after state-owned power provider Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) awarded the main civil works contract to a joint venture between China Gezhouba Group Company Ltd and local firm Untang Jaya Sdn Bhd, following the state government’s endorsement in March.
The contract covers designing and building the main dam, intake structures, spillway and penstocks.
“The (contract) award is an important milestone for Baleh HEP, one of Sarawak’s largest infrastructure projects," said SEB group chief executive officer Sharbini Suhaili (pic).
“The HEP will generate an additional 1,285MW of renewable energy to the grid when it is fully commissioned in 2025, and will help to meet Sarawak’s vision for sustainable growth and prosperity,” Sharbini added in a statement.
He said that the 188m high concrete-face rock-filled dam will be located on Sungai Baleh, about 95km upstream from its confluence with Sungai Rajang in the Kapit division.
Sharbini also said that while the project will not involve any community resettlement, some farmland would be affected.
He added that as a member of the International Hydropower Association (IHA), SEB is committed to undertaking the project in accordance with the guidelines set out by the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocol.
There may be some 3,500 workers of many different nationalities at the project site during the peak construction period.
In addition to employment, other benefits include business opportunities as well as local content, competence and capability development, according to Sharbini.
China Gezhouba Group and Untang Jaya have indicated that they are looking at procuring locally-sourced content of up to 45% of the contract value.
This includes local communities, bumiputera companies, as well as companies registered with the state and federal governments, he added.
Baleh HEP will mark China Gezhouba Group’s first foray into construction in Malaysia.
The company is an established hydropower specialist with over 40 years’ experience, having constructed at least eight rock-filled dams and a further 18 concrete-face rock-filled dams, the highest being 233m.
Its main designer, Yellow River Engineering Consulting Ltd, is an established design consultant with a portfolio of more than 10 concrete-face rock-filled dams worldwide.
Untang Jaya, which comprises 30% of the joint venture, is a Sarawak-registered Class A contractor from the Baleh/ Kapit area.
When completed, Baleh dam will be the fourth hydropower plant in the state after Batang Ai, Murum and Bakun.
Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/06/30/china-malaysia-jv-gets-baleh-hydroelectric-project-contract/ .99
KUCHING: Construction of the Baleh Hydroelectric Project (HEP) is targeted to begin next October, with design works expected to start this August.
