Planned industrial “megaproject” would “irreperably impact” Chilean facilities, warns European Southern Observatory

Plans to construct an “industrial megaproject” near the European Southern Observatory’s most important site “pose a critical risk” to astronomy, the ESO has warned.

The ESO brings together 16 European governments to facilitate research using infrastructure at three sites in Chile, under an agreement with the country that utilises its location in the southern hemisphere and its large areas with little human activity to make unique observations of space.

On 10 January, it said that AES Andes, a subsidiary of a US power company, wants to build an industrial complex “close to the size of a city” near the Paranal Observatory, which it describes as “the flagship facility of European astronomy”.

This plan “threatens the pristine skies” above the observatory in the Atacama Desert, which are “the darkest and clearest of any astronomical observatory in the world”, the ESO said.

“The industrial megaproject is planned to be located just 5 to 11km from telescopes at Paranal, which would cause irreparable damage to astronomical observations, in particular due to light pollution,” according to the ESO.

Only a relocation of the complex will prevent “irreversible damage”, it warned.

‘Key asset for astronomers worldwide’

Since being opened in 1999, the Paranal Observatory has facilitated “significant astronomy breakthroughs”, including work on the expansion of the universe and the black hole at the centre of our galaxy, the ESO said.

It described the site, which is home to instruments including the Very Large Telescope array, as “a key asset for astronomers worldwide, including those in Chile”.

Plans for the industrial complex, which would include a port, ammonia and hydrogen production plants and thousands of electricity generation units, were submitted for environmental impact assessment late last year, the ESO said.

“The proximity of the AES Andes industrial megaproject to Paranal poses a critical risk to the most pristine night skies on the planet,” said ESO director general Xavier Barcons.

“Dust emissions during construction, increased atmospheric turbulence, and especially light pollution will irreparably impact the capabilities for astronomical observation, which have thus far attracted multi-billion-euro investments.”

Company response

A spokesperson for AES Andes said the project would be located in an area specifically designated for renewable energy development, adding: “As with any project we pursue, we are dedicated to complying with all regulatory guidelines and rules.”

“We understand there are concerns…and are committed to collaborating with stakeholders throughout the process. Our partnership with stakeholders is a top priority, ensuring we are supporting local economic development while maintaining the highest environmental and safety standards,” they said.

“This potential project specifically incorporates the highest standards in lighting in its design, complying with the Ministry of the Environment’s new regulation…which aims to prevent light pollution, protecting the astronomical quality of the night skies, the health of people, and biodiversity.

“We trust in the robustness of Chile’s Environmental Impact Assessment System, which allows for a detailed evaluation and scientific dialogue of all aspects of this proposed project.”

Research Professional News also asked Chilean authorities for comment.

Update 13/1 – This article was updated with the response from AES Andes