Murum water at minimum operating level
KUCHING: The 944 megawatt ( MW) Murum hydroelectric project ( HEP) is expected to be fully operational by early next year, says Sarawak Energy’s vice-president ( Hydro Section) Polycarp Wong.
He said impoundment of dam had now reached its minimum operating level of 515m (above sea level).
“This is certainly a key milestone for the Murum HEP impoundment. Thanks to good rainfall, the impoundment is well ahead of schedule.
“This is the level ( 515m) where there is, theoretically, sufficient water volume to begin operation of the HEP. Our team is currently preparing for the testing and commissioning of the turbines.
“We expect the HEP to be in commercial operation in early 2015,” Wong said yesterday.
Serving as one of the power sources for the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy ( SCORE), Murum HEP is set to provide clean and renewable energy to all
This is certainly a key milestone for the Murum HEP impoundment. Polycarp Wong, Sarawak Energy’s vice-president (Hydro Section)
Sarawakians, as well as SCORE’s customers.
The project is also expected to spur development in the surrounding areas by providing better connections, education, healthcare, infrastructure and amenities to the indigenous communities living along the reservoir of the HEP.
Work on the RM4 billion Murum HEP started on Oct 1, 2008, while its impoundment was carried out on Sept 21 last year.
Murum HEP Dam is the second mega-dam project after the Bakum HEP Dam. It is located about 70km upriver from Bakun HEP Dam, which started transmitting power on Aug 6, 2012.