Chile: Hydrogen Plant Cancelled to Protect World’s Best Stargazing Skies

The Atacama Desert in Chile, renowned for possessing some of the clearest night skies on Earth, will remain largely protected from light and atmospheric pollution thanks to the cancellation of a massive green hydrogen and ammonia production facility. The February 10, 2026 announcement marks a significant victory for astronomers who warned the $10 billion INNA project would irreparably damage observations at nearby world-class observatories.

The proposed 3,000-hectare industrial complex, spearheaded by AES Andes, a subsidiary of US-based AES Corporation, included plans for a port, transport infrastructure, and three large-scale solar power plants. For nearly a year, Chile’s environmental regulator evaluated the project, while the scientific community mounted a growing opposition campaign.

Astronomers’ concerns weren’t limited to simple light pollution. The INNA facility posed a multifaceted threat to the precision of astronomical instruments. Scientists predicted that the facility would introduce subtle vibrations into the ground, disrupt atmospheric turbulence, and generate airborne dust that could contaminate the sensitive mirrors of telescopes. These factors, they argued, would collectively degrade the quality of data collected at observatories like the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO) Paranal Observatory.

A Critical Location for Ground-Based Astronomy

The Paranal Observatory, located in the Atacama Desert, is home to the Very Large Telescope (VLT). The VLT, situated 2,600 meters above sea level, has been instrumental in discoveries that have earned three Nobel Prizes. Nearby, construction is underway on the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), poised to become the largest and most powerful optical telescope ever built. The ELT’s capabilities will allow astronomers to study distant galaxies and search for signs of life on exoplanets.

The proximity of the INNA project – just 11.6 kilometers from the Paranal Observatory – was a central point of contention. Astronomers argued that the potential for astronomical damage far outweighed the benefits of locating the facility so close to these critical research sites. “There was no need to place the facility so close to the observatories given the potentially disastrous consequences for astronomy,” stated sources within the scientific community.

A Nobel Laureate’s Plea

The opposition to the INNA project culminated in an open letter published in December, led by December 2020 Nobel Prize laureate Reinhard Genzel. The letter directly urged the Chilean government to halt the project, emphasizing the irreversible harm it could inflict on astronomical research. The collective voice of 28 leading astronomers underscored the gravity of the situation and the global importance of preserving the Atacama Desert’s unique astronomical environment.

AES Andes Withdraws the Project

Chile’s environmental evaluation service confirmed that AES Andes formally withdrew the INNA project following meetings last week. In a press release, AES Andes stated that the decision came after a “detailed analysis of its portfolio of projects,” while also asserting that the project was “absolutely compatible” with other activities in the area. The company declined to provide further comment.

A Call for Proactive Protection Measures

While the cancellation of the INNA project is being celebrated as a major win for astronomy, Itziar de Gregorio, the ESO’s representative in Chile, cautioned that the fight to protect the skies is far from over. “This cancellation means that the INNA project will no longer have a negative impact on the Paranal Observatory,” she said. “However, what this megaproject has brought to the table is the urgent need for clear protection measures around the sites where professional astronomy is carried out in Chile.”

The incident highlights the growing tension between renewable energy development and the preservation of pristine environments crucial for scientific research. As demand for green energy solutions increases, finding locations that minimize environmental impact – and protect vital scientific resources – will become increasingly critical. The Atacama Desert, with its exceptional atmospheric conditions, serves as a stark reminder of the unique and irreplaceable value of dark skies for advancing our understanding of the universe.

The cancellation sets a precedent for future projects in the region, signaling that environmental considerations and the needs of the scientific community must be prioritized alongside economic development. The focus now shifts to establishing robust regulations and zoning policies to safeguard the Atacama Desert’s astronomical assets for generations to come.