Why was the INNA green hydrogen project in Chile canceled?

The INNA project was canceled due to concerns raised by astronomers that its proximity to observatories would cause irreparable damage to astronomical observations through light pollution and other disturbances.

What are the scientific implications of the INNA project cancellation?

The cancellation ensures the protection of the Atacama Desert's pristine skies, preserving the integrity of world-class observatories like Paranal and enabling future astronomical research, including the search for exoplanets.

How close was the INNA facility to major telescopes in Chile?

The proposed INNA facility would have been located just 11.6 kilometers from the Paranal Observatory, one of the world's most important astronomical sites.

Home / Science / Chile's Skies Saved: Huge Green Energy Project Canceled

Chile's Skies Saved: Huge Green Energy Project Canceled

10 Feb

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Summary

A $10bn green hydrogen facility was canceled near world-class telescopes.
Astronomers warned the project would cause light pollution and vibrations.
The cancellation protects the Atacama Desert, a prime astronomy site.

Chile's Skies Saved: Huge Green Energy Project Canceled

Astronomers are celebrating the withdrawal of the proposed INNA project, a massive $10 billion green hydrogen and ammonia production facility. The project, planned for 3,000 hectares in Chile's Atacama Desert, threatened the region's status as the world's premier site for ground-based astronomy. Astronomers expressed grave concerns that the facility's proximity to observatories like Paranal would cause irreparable harm through light pollution, earth vibrations, dust, and increased atmospheric turbulence.

Chile's environmental evaluation service confirmed the project's cancellation after discussions with AES Andes, the subsidiary of US company AES Corporation responsible for the proposal. While AES Andes stated the decision followed a portfolio analysis, astronomers emphasized the urgent need for robust protection measures around professional astronomy sites. The withdrawal ensures the safeguarding of observatories, including the Very Large Telescope and the under-construction Extremely Large Telescope, crucial for groundbreaking scientific discoveries.