Guatemala: Xalalá dam

Guatemala’s National Electrification Institute (INDE in Spanish) plans to restart the Xalalá hydroelectric project, located on the Chixoy river in the department of Quiché, and in relation to which tenders should be submitted by February 13.

The government wants to generate electricity for local consumption and for export to Mexico.

The Chixoy's discharge is 551 meters of water per second on average, the highest in Guatemala.

At the same time, INDE tried starting the project five years ago, but encountered problems with the tender process, as well as opposition from local communities, which would have to be relocated.