Mentarang Induk Hydroelectric Power Plant (Indonesian: Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Air Mentarang Induk), commonly abbreviated as MIHEP, is a 1,375 MW hydroelectric power project under development on the Mentarang River in Malinau Regency, North Kalimantan, Indonesia. The project is being developed by PT Kayan Hydropower Nusantara (KHN), a joint venture owned by AlamTri Resources (50%), Sarawak Energy (25%), and PT Kayan Patria Pratama (25).
MIHEP is intended to provide renewable baseload electricity primarily to the KIPI Tanah Kuning, one of Indonesia's largest industrial development zones focusing on green metals, nickel processing, and aluminium smelting.
North Kalimantan has been identified as one of Indonesia's richest hydropower regions, with potential exceeding 9 GW across the Kayan and Mentarang river basins. Development of MIHEP accelerated after the Indonesian government prioritized KIPI as a strategic national project requiring long-term renewable power supply.
The project has an installed capacity of 1,375 MW and will use a combination of dam and reservoir-regulated run-of-river hydropower. Major project components include:
Estimated annual electricity generation is 8âÂÂ9 TWh, depending on hydrological conditions.
As of 2025, ownership of PT Kayan Hydropower Nusantara is as follows:
Early development previously involved Sarang Energy Group, though ownership shifted as new investors joined.
A ceremonial groundbreaking was held on 1 March 2023. Initial works, including access road preparation, began in 2023âÂÂ2024.
The developer is targeting financial close in 2026, after which full EPC construction is expected to accelerate. Commercial operation is expected around 2029âÂÂ2030, subject to financing and regulatory processes.
The project is one of the primary renewable energy sources planned for the KIPI Tanah Kuning industrial zone, which will host:
Supplying these industries with renewable hydropower supports Indonesia's ambition to produce âÂÂgreen metalsâ for export markets.
MIHEP is subject to Indonesia's AMDAL environmental assessment requirements. Mitigation measures include watershed management, biodiversity surveys, sediment control, and engagement with nearby communities in Malinau Regency.