Astronomy enthusiasts and scientists breathed a collective sigh of relief as Chile nixed a $10 billion mega-project poised to pollute the Atacama Desert’s unmatched night skies. The world’s driest non-polar desert offers near-perfect conditions for telescopes, with over 300 clear nights annually and exceptional visibility.
Dubbed INNA, the ambitious setup by AES Andes included green hydrogen and ammonia production on 3,000 hectares, complete with solar plants, coastal transport, and a port. Regulatory review dragged on for a year as astronomers decried the light pollution threat to ESO’s Paranal Observatory, a cornerstone of global research with its trio of advanced telescopes.
“This ensures Paranal faces no harm,” stated ESO’s Itziar de Gregorio in comments to media. She added that the saga reveals gaps in protections for Chile’s astronomy hotspots, calling for immediate action beyond this cancellation. Official confirmation came from Chile’s environmental authority after AES Andes formally withdrew post-meeting.
The U.S.-linked firm, experienced in diverse energy projects from coal to renewables in South America, explained the move stemmed from thorough project evaluation. Scientists had mobilized aggressively, pointing to avoidable risks from elevated light levels near irreplaceable observatories. Nobel physicist Reinhard Genzel amplified the call in a public letter to authorities.
Beyond research, Atacama’s skies lure astro-tourists seeking unspoiled views of the Milky Way. Canceling INNA preserves this unique asset, striking a blow against industrial encroachment on scientific frontiers. It signals that even green initiatives must respect the planet’s astronomical treasures.