Three outstanding hydropower projects from Malaysia, the United Kingdom and Nepal have been recognised with the IHA Blue Planet Prize 2025 for excellence in sustainable hydropower development. Within the global hydropower industry, the IHA Blue Planet Prize is widely regarded as the most prestigious award for sustainability performance.

The awards were presented today in Paris at the International Forum on Pumped Storage, in front of global leaders from industry, government, finance and civil society.

The winners are:

• Bakun Hydroelectric Project (Malaysia) – main prize winner

• Coire Glas Hydropower Project (Scotland, UK) – pumped storage category

• Mai Beni Hydropower Project (Nepal) – small hydropower category

The IHA Blue Planet Prize is awarded to hydropower projects that demonstrate outstanding sustainability performance, based on independent assessment under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard. To qualify, projects must show achievement of good practice across all topics and have undergone public consultation.

Bakun Hydroelectric Project

Commissioned in 2014 and acquired by Sarawak Energy in 2017, the 2,400MW Bakun project has undergone major improvements in environmental and social practices. A 2024 assessment identified areas for strengthening, including community engagement, water quality and dam safety. Sarawak Energy responded by implementing targeted action plans, leading to Silver certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard in 2025.

Eddie Rich, CEO of the International Hydropower Association (IHA), said: “Bakun shows what can be achieved when a project commits to continuous improvement as a long-term vision. By embedding sustainability practices throughout its operations and closing gaps identified through the assessment process, Sarawak Energy has demonstrated that hydropower can deliver positive outcomes for communities and the environment. This award is richly deserved.”

Coire Glas Hydropower Project

Located on Loch Lochy in the Scottish Highlands, the proposed 1,500MW Coire Glas project by SSE Renewables will be the UK’s largest long-duration energy storage facility if approved. In August 2025, it became the first pumped storage project in the world to achieve Gold certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard, with strong results in labour standards, governance, consultation and environmental planning.

Eddie Rich, CEO of the International Hydropower Association (IHA), said: “Coire Glas shows what can be achieved when a project is planned and managed over time with a focus on doing things the right way. SSE has taken care to embed sustainability into the project from the very earliest stages, consulting thoroughly and planning for environmental and social impacts. This award recognises the leadership and dedication needed to deliver pumped storage responsibly and ensure it plays a fundamental role in the clean and secure energy transition.”

Mai Beni Hydropower Project

The 9.5 MW Mai Beni project in eastern Nepal, operated by Urja Developers and Samling Power Company, achieved Gold certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard in 2024. With a dedicated on-site team and close community engagement, the project has delivered local infrastructure upgrades, strengthened emergency preparedness and created jobs, while minimising biodiversity impacts in a sensitive river basin.

Eddie Rich, CEO of the International Hydropower Association (IHA), said: “Mai Beni shows how small hydropower projects can make a big difference when there is a long-term commitment to responsible development. By having environmental and social expertise on the ground and working closely with local communities, Urja Developers and Samling Power have shown how you can develop projects that deliver real benefits for communities and ecosystems. I congratulate all involved on this highly deserved achievement.”

The Premier of Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, commented: “The recognition of the Bakun Hydroelectric Project with the IHA Blue Planet Prize is a proud moment for Sarawak and Malaysia. It reflects our commitment to balancing development with sustainability and to ensuring that hydropower brings lasting benefits to our people, our environment and our economy.

“This award is a testament to the dedication of Sarawak Energy and our wider community in embedding international best practice into the heart of one of the region’s most important renewable energy assets.”

Mike Seaton, Coire Glas Project Director, said: “We’re extremely proud our Coire Glas project has been awarded the IHA Blue Planet Prize 2025 for pumped storage. Our entire project team and contractors have dedicated themselves to building sustainability into every stage of the planning for this world-class project, including environmental and social outcomes. This has resulted in Coire Glas becoming the first pumped storage hydropower project in the world to be Gold certified under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.

“Although an investable policy mechanism is still needed for the project to progress to FID, Coire Glas can play a crucial role in meeting UK and Scottish Net Zero targets. This award demonstrates that vital energy infrastructure can be developed with sustainability at its core and is testament to the shared diligence and dedication of our team and contractors in doing the right thing by people and the planet in every stage of the project’s design.”