Chixoy Hydroelectric Dam

Chixoy Dam
Official namePlanta Hidroeléctrica Chixoy
LocationSan Cristóbal Verapaz
(Alta Verapaz)
Coordinates15°16′54″N 90°29′27″W / 15.281536°N 90.490952°W / 15.281536; -90.490952
Construction began1976
Opening date1983
Construction costUS$ 944 million
Operator(s)EGEE - INDE
Dam and spillways
ImpoundsChixoy River (Río Negro)
Height90 m
Length250 m
Width (base)12 m
Reservoir
Total capacity460 million m3
Surface area14,000 hectares

The Chixoy Dam (Spanish: Planta Hidroeléctrica Chixoy) is a reinforced concrete dam and power plant spanning the Chixoy River between the Departments of Baja Verapaz, El Quiché and Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. It is the largest structure of its kind in the country.

It was built between 1976 and 1985 and generates approximately 15% of the country's electricity.

The dam's construction was very controversial and displaced many indigenous Maya Achi peoples. Government forced relocations resulted in the Río Negro massacres which claimed up to 5,000 lives between 1980 and 1982.