The Atacama Desert’s crystal-clear heavens have dodged a bullet with the abrupt end of a $10 billion green energy behemoth. Scientists hailed the move as a landmark save for one of Earth’s premier stargazing locales, where persistent dryness ensures skies stay remarkably transparent for astronomical pursuits.
AES Andes’ INNA proposal – a 3,000-hectare hydrogen and ammonia hub with solar arrays, port access, and logistics – faced intense scrutiny from Chile’s environmental watchdog. Protests focused on devastating light pollution for the adjacent Paranal Observatory, ESO’s vital site running three telescope powerhouses.
ESO spokesperson Itziar de Gregorio affirmed to outlets like The Guardian: “Paranal is safe from this project’s fallout.” She stressed this victory demands broader defenses for Chile’s observatory vicinities, as threats persist. The project was shelved last week after AES Andes’ meeting with regulators, per official records.
Known for energy builds across Chile, Colombia, and Argentina, the AES subsidiary bowed to detailed assessments in its announcement. Astronomers’ alarms, backed by Nobel laureate Reinhard Genzel’s intervention, underscored the folly of siting heavy industry next to elite telescopes, where even minor glow hampers deep-space views.
Atacama’s allure extends to booming astro-tourism, blending science with wonder under star-drenched canopies. This reversal not only averts observational catastrophe but champions sustainable development that honors irreplaceable natural labs. The stars above remain brighter for it.