In a significant victory for the scientific community, the proposed $10 billion INNA facility in Chile’s Atacama Desert has been officially withdrawn, safeguarding some of the clearest skies on the planet for astronomical observation. The planned green hydrogen and ammonia production plant, which included extensive infrastructure such as a port and solar power plants, faced strong opposition from astronomers who feared it would irreparably compromise the region’s unique observational capabilities.
The Threat to Astronomical Research
Astronomers had long raised alarms regarding the INNA project, citing its proximity to top-tier observatories like the Paranal. The facility, set to occupy 3,000 hectares just 11.6 kilometres from the observatory, was projected to introduce significant light pollution, seismic vibrations, and dust—factors that could severely hinder the performance of sensitive telescopes. Itziar de Gregorio, the representative for the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile, expressed relief at the project’s cancellation, stating, “This cancellation means that the INNA project will no longer have a negative impact on the Paranal Observatory.” Yet, she also emphasised that this outcome highlights an urgent need for protective measures around astronomical sites in the region.
The Chilean environmental evaluation service confirmed that the project had been formally withdrawn after discussions with AES Andes, the company behind the initiative. This decision comes after nearly a year of deliberations and mounting pressure from the scientific community.
A Community United for the Skies
The cancellation followed a powerful open letter signed by prominent figures, including Nobel laureate Reinhard Genzel, which urged the Chilean government to halt the project. The Very Large Telescope (VLT) at Paranal, located 2,600 metres above sea level, has contributed to groundbreaking discoveries, winning three Nobel Prizes for its observations. In addition, the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), currently under construction on nearby Cerro Armazones, promises to revolutionise our understanding of distant galaxies and the search for Earth-like exoplanets.
Despite the project’s withdrawal, AES Andes, a subsidiary of the US-based AES Corporation, maintained that they believe the INNA facility was “absolutely compatible” with other activities in the area. However, the company has now decided to cease work on the project, citing a detailed analysis of its portfolio.
The Future of Astronomy in Chile
While the cancellation of the INNA project is a significant win for astronomers, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in protecting the unique astronomical environments of Chile. With the Atacama Desert recognised as one of the best locations for ground-based observation, the need for robust regulations to prevent future threats has never been more critical.
As astronomers continue to push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe, the importance of preserving the pristine conditions in which they operate cannot be overstated.
Why it Matters
The cancellation of the INNA project not only protects the unparalleled observational capabilities of Chile’s Atacama Desert but also sets a precedent for future developments near sensitive scientific sites worldwide. As the global community grapples with the balance between industrial growth and environmental preservation, this victory underscores the importance of advocacy in safeguarding our natural resources for the advancement of scientific discovery.
