The Xacbal Dam (Spanish: Planta Hidroeléctrica Xacbal) is a reinforced concrete gravity dam and power plant spanning the Xacbal River in the municipality of Chajul, Guatemala. Construction began in April 2007 and the project became operational in August 2010.

Xacbal Dam
Official namePlanta Hidroeléctrica Xacbal
LocationChajul (El Quiché)
Coordinates15°37′22″N 91°05′04″W / 15.62278°N 91.08444°W / 15.62278; -91.08444
Construction beganApril 2007
Opening dateAugust 2010
Construction costUS$ 250 million
Operator(s)Hidro Xacbal, S.A.
Dam and spillways
ImpoundsXacbal River
Height10.35 m
Reservoir
Total capacity700,000 m3

A 10.35 m high dam diverts the river's water flow to a sand filter and on through an open conduction channel to a daily regulation reservoir located outside the river channel. A 4.7 km conduction tunnel with a diameter of 4.65 m, directs the water through a 615 m long pressure pipe (diameter 3.55 m) to the power house. The water is diverted back to the Xacbal river channel.[1]

The plant has 2 x 47 MW Francis vertical axis turbines with an installed capacity of 94 MW. A 120 km transmission line was built to connect the power plant to the national grid. Annual power production is estimated at 486 GWh.[1][2]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b :"proyecto Hidro Xacbal - Capacidad instalada". terra.hn. Retrieved 2010-12-08.
  2. ^ :"Central Hidroeléctrica Xacbal, Chajul - Guatemala, 94 MW". electricamatamoros.com. Retrieved 2010-12-08.