A green hydrogen megaproject threatens the astronomical treasures of the Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert in Chile is a global sanctuary for stargazing. A massive industrial project could jeopardize this unique astronomical heritage, experts warn.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

The Atacama Desert, in northern Chile, is globally renowned for its ideal conditions for astronomical observation. Located at an altitude of 2,600 meters, this exceptional environment hosts some of the world’s most advanced telescopes, including the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and the upcoming Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), currently under construction.

However, this privileged region is now under threat from an ambitious green hydrogen and ammonia production project, led by AES Andes, a subsidiary of the American company AES Corporation. The project plans to build an industrial complex in Taltal, only ten kilometers from the Paranal Observatory, operated by the European Southern Observatory (ESO).

Risks for astronomy

The ESO expressed serious concerns in a recent statement. According to Xavier Barcons, the organization’s director general, “dust emissions, increased atmospheric turbulence, and, most importantly, light pollution will have an irreparable impact on astronomical observation capabilities.” These disruptions directly threaten the scientific research conducted at Paranal and other observatories in the Atacama Desert, such as ALMA and La Silla.

A scientific heritage to protect

The Paranal Observatory, inaugurated in 1999, is a cornerstone of Chile’s astronomical network. Its location was chosen for its unique conditions: an extremely dry climate, minimal cloud presence, and an almost complete absence of light pollution. While this new industrial complex aligns with Chile’s goals for energy transition, it could jeopardize this scientific sanctuary.

A call for caution

For Itziar de Gregorio, ESO representative in Chile, it is crucial to explore alternatives to this project. “It is essential to consider other locations for this megaproject that do not endanger one of the most important astronomical treasures in the world,” she said.

In response, AES Andes did not provide immediate comments, although it highlighted in a December 2024 statement that the project also includes renewable energy initiatives such as solar, wind, and battery storage.

Strengthening light pollution regulations

In October 2024, a new regulation aimed at limiting light pollution was adopted in Chile to protect astronomical activities. The measure imposes restrictions on brightness levels and the operating hours of public lighting, including advertising screens. Despite this regulation, the scale and proximity of the industrial project could pose challenges that these measures alone may not be sufficient to address.

As Chile strives to become a global leader in green hydrogen production, it must reconcile its energy ambitions with the preservation of an invaluable astronomical heritage, critical to global scientific endeavors.

A partnership between AquaVentus and Hydrogen Scotland aims to connect Scottish offshore wind farms to a cross-border green hydrogen production and export infrastructure in the North Sea.
Electric Hydrogen announces the acquisition of Ambient Fuels and an alliance with Generate Capital to offer up to $400 mn in hydrogen project financing worldwide starting in 2026.
Hynfra PSA strengthens its presence in West Africa with a $1.5bn green ammonia project, backed by the Mauritanian government, with commercial operations expected to start by 2030.
Over 500 hydrogen projects are now under construction or operational worldwide, with total committed investments reaching USD110 billion, representing an increase of USD35 billion in one year.
From 2029, Verso Energy will supply hydrogen produced in Moselle to steel group SHS, supported by a cross-border pipeline and an industrial investment exceeding €100mn.
The success of SGN’s test on a gas pipeline converted to hydrogen confirms Terra Firma Energy’s technological choices, with sites already equipped to accommodate this type of energy investment.
Lhyfe has started supplying Essent with renewable green hydrogen under a multi-year contract, marking a major commercial debut in the Netherlands for the French producer.
The Dutch government grants major funding to RWE to develop an offshore wind-powered electrolysis facility, marking a key step in the OranjeWind project.
ScottishPower pauses its renewable hydrogen projects in the United Kingdom, despite receiving public subsidies, citing a lack of commercial viability under the HAR1 programme.
thyssenkrupp nucera has completed the purchase of key assets from Green Hydrogen Systems, strengthening its position in pressurised alkaline electrolysis for industrial hydrogen production.
GH2 Solar Ltd partners with AHES Ltd to build an electrolyzer plant in Gwalior, targeting 500 MW capacity by 2030 with $19mn government support.
A cooperation agreement, a bilateral carbon-credit mechanism and converging standards lay the ground for India→Japan hydrogen and ammonia flows, with volume targets, price-support schemes and first export projects scaling up.
Hydrogen offtake agreements are multiplying, with Germany and Japan leading, mobilizing producers and industrial buyers in a still nascent but already highly competitive market.
Vema Hydrogen mobilise des experts internationaux pour accélérer la mise sur le marché de son hydrogène minéral, alors que l’entreprise prévoit de forer ses premiers puits pilotes en Amérique du Nord d’ici la fin de l’année.
First Public Hydrogen Authority opens a request for proposals to transport gaseous and liquid hydrogen across California, with a deadline set for September 12.
US-based manufacturer Ohmium unveils a new generation of modular electrolysers integrating all production systems within a reduced footprint, aiming to lower installation and operating costs for green hydrogen.
ABO Energy and Hydropulse join forces to develop decentralised green hydrogen production units in Europe, with Spain and Finland as priority markets.
Next Hydrogen secures two separate loans, including one from its executives, to consolidate liquidity and continue operations while evaluating long-term financial solutions.
Metacon receives EUR 14.9 million from Motor Oil Hellas for the approved delivery of ten electrolysis units, marking the first stage of a strategic industrial project in Greece.
The European Union’s regulatory framework mandates green hydrogen integration in refineries, generating projected demand of 0.5 million tonnes by 2030.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.