Astronomy faces a critical challenge as the planned INNA renewable energy project threatens the pristine skies of Chile’s Atacama Desert. Mount Paranal, home to the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT), offers some of the darkest skies on Earth, essential for cutting-edge astronomical research. However, light pollution from the proposed hydrogen plant could compromise decades of scientific progress.
Atacama’s Unique Advantage
Mount Paranal, located in the Atacama Desert, provides the perfect conditions for astronomy. Its dry atmosphere, high altitude, and isolation ensure crystal-clear night skies over 11 months a year. The VLT, consisting of four powerful telescopes, has made groundbreaking discoveries, including imaging exoplanets and tracing stars near a black hole at the Milky Way’s center.
ESO also selected the nearby Mount Armazones for its Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), set to be the world’s largest visible-light telescope upon completion. This telescope will explore distant galaxies and analyze exoplanet atmospheres. Its success hinges on the dark skies that Mount Paranal offers.
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Renewable Project Sparks Controversy
The INNA project, proposed by AES Energy, includes solar farms, wind farms, and hydrogen production facilities. Spanning over 3,021 hectares, the $10 billion project aims to generate over 217,000 metric tons of green hydrogen annually. However, its proximity—just three miles from ESO’s observatories—poses a significant risk. The complex could increase sky brightness by up to 10%, effectively reducing the observatories’ capabilities.
This level of light pollution would equate to living under the glow of a city with a population of 20,000. Xavier Barcons, ESO’s Director General, warns this would diminish the telescopes’ ability to observe faint galaxies and study exoplanet atmospheres.
Seeking a Solution
ESO advocates moving the INNA project to a location at least 50 kilometers away. According to Barcons, “This clean hydrogen plant would work just as well elsewhere, but Mount Paranal is irreplaceable for astronomy.”
Chile has implemented light pollution regulations to protect the Atacama skies, but astronomers argue these measures are insufficient. Stricter laws are necessary to safeguard the area’s unparalleled potential for scientific discovery.
A Delicate Balancing Act
The conflict highlights a broader challenge: balancing environmental progress with scientific needs. ESO supports renewable energy and even operates a solar power plant for its observatories. However, the organization emphasizes that relocating the INNA project is a reasonable compromise.
The Chilean Environmental Impact Agency is reviewing the project’s environmental assessment, with a decision expected following public consultations. AES Energy has assured collaboration with local stakeholders but has yet to address ESO’s concerns directly.
Mount Paranal is not just a location—it’s a global treasure for understanding the universe. Preserving its skies is essential for advancing humanity’s knowledge, making this decision a critical one for science and progress.
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