The Paranal Observatory, regarded as one of the planet’s most vital for astronomical study, is greatly jeopardized in its pursuit of pristine imagery due to a projected green hydrogen and ammonia installation located a mere 6 miles distant.
INNA, owned by AES Corp., a firm based in the U.S., constitutes an expansive industrial undertaking requiring a $10 billion investment to establish a green hydrogen and ammonia production hub, incorporating solar, wind, and battery storage facilities. Chile’s Environmental Evaluation Service has been examining the proposition since the prior year.
Perched at an altitude of 8,645 feet within Chile’s Atacama Desert, the Paranal Observatory houses the Very Large Telescope, amongst the globe’s most sophisticated. The Extremely Large Telescope, the most substantial optical-infrared telescope worldwide, is slated to commence functioning in 2029 there, seeking indicators of life on planets orbiting other stars, as well as scrutinizing black holes and initial galaxies.
Astronomers assert that these instruments demand an unpolluted environment devoid of man-made illumination, pitch-dark skies, and a firm, vibration-resistant surface for effective operation.
“Chile provides optimal locations for observation across numerous wavelengths. It is unrivaled in atmospheric clarity, which explains its appeal to numerous global endeavors,” Itziar de Gregorio-Monsalvo, the European Southern Observatory’s representative in Chile, communicated to UPI. Her research institution oversees the site.
She conveyed that Chile will soon accommodate over 70% of Earth’s astronomical resources; however, ventures such as INNA, situated in proximity to observatories, diminishes the nation’s capacity to continuously attract upcoming telescope generations.
“This is a momentous occurrence — a tangible menace. Once a site compromises its sky quality, continued operation becomes impractical,” she stated.
Gregorio-Monsalvo elaborated that the principal anticipated effects encompass artificial light contamination, ground vibrations from wind turbines impacting telescope function, and heightened atmospheric disturbances that would undermine picture precision. Furthermore, atmospheric dust emissions would occur, interfering with the performance of mirrors and lenses.
She cited an instance stating, “a galaxy requiring two days of observation presently might demand months should light pollution worsen. Subsequently, the telescopes would become ineffectual.”
To avert intrusion, scientists suggested positioning the INNA project 30 to 60 miles away.
The developer was initially scheduled to respond on Thursday to excess of 1,440 remarks presented by citizens, scholarly bodies, and regulatory entities. However, AES Andes requested an extension, rescheduling the deadline for May.
Daniela González, executive director of the Cielos de Chile Foundation, informed UPI that the country “is failing to shield astronomical zones from these large-scale projects.” She elaborated that while developers must incorporate light contamination in ecological impact evaluations, none of the 120 ventures presently undergoing assessment by the SEA have complied.
Chile constitutes 40% of worldwide astronomical observation, which is why the INNA project has garnered widespread resistance from both domestic and international scientific organizations.
Scientists from 18 Chilean public universities cautioned that the project “would signify an irreparable detriment to Chile and the international community, losing the Atacama Desert’s distinct traits for housing astronomical observatories, deemed the darkest among global astronomical locations.”
They accentuated the accomplishments of studies executed at Paranal, encompassing the inaugural depiction of an exoplanet and analyses of the supermassive black hole positioned at the Milky Way’s center — discoveries recognized with dual Nobel Prizes.
The Chilean administration has also articulated concerns. The Foreign Ministry communicated that the INNA project engenders ecological and scientific predicaments, emphasizing that the Chilean state possesses commitments with the European Southern Organization to permit undisturbed operation.
Even so, AES Andes has no intention of altering the project.
“It is not a possibility. Identifying an alternate site possessing the essential circumstances is an extensive and intricate undertaking that does not assure achievement and would forfeit Chile’s prospect to partake in the green hydrogen sector, prolonging the nation’s decarbonization,” declared Luis Sarrás, AES Andes director of business development and green hydrogen, in remarks previously made.
He incorporated that the project will be erected in a locale “the Chilean state has designated as appropriate for renewable energy expansion. In other words, there are no astronomical observations or projects that cannot be achieved owing to INNA’s presence.”
Sourse: www.upi.com
