MALAYSIA’S LARGEST HYDROPOWER PLANT

Located in the state of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo, the Bakun hydroelectric plant is the largest in the country with an installed capacity of 2,400 MW. Currently the 3rd highest concrete face rock-fill dam in the world, it has a 750 m long crest, a height of 205 m and a fill volume of 16.75 million m3.

Owned and operated by Sarawak Energy since 2017, the Bakun power plant began generating electricity in 2011 and contributes to the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) which aims to transform Sarawak into an advanced industrialized state by the year 2030..

A HIGHLY-CUSTOMIZED SOLUTION

GE supplied a turnkey hydropower plant, comprising four out of eight 330 MW vertical Francis turbine and generator units and balance-of-plant, including design, procurement, manufacturing, delivery, site installation and commissioning.

The vertical Francis turbines delivered by GE are robust turbines that can sustain high mechanical stress thanks to their customized bearings technology. The maintenance costs are optimized and safety is increased. The sealing equipment was upgraded and tailored materials (i.e. specific painting and alloy) were used offering an increased protection of the equipment in corrosive environment.

GE also supplied four governors, four sets of isolated phase bus ducts, generator excitation system and a control system. The power plant control and automation technology uses state-of-the-art technology and gives power plant operators efficient control of their plant. The governor software was customized for the Sarawak grid and power plant specifics. This customization participates to ensure grid stability in case of unexpected events, especially as the plant is a major power supplier for the network of Sarawak.

Finally, GE delivered a comprehensive station auxiliary power system including several MV/LV transformers. With over 100 years of hydropower know-how, experience and turnkey expertise, GE teams create customer value via power solution through the effective coordination and interfacing between different disciplines and parties, involving engineering consultants, electromechanical suppliers and civil works.