A controversial green hydrogen project near Paranal, one of the world’s leading astronomical sites, has been officially abandoned following months of criticism regarding its potential impact on astronomical observation, authorities announced Thursday, February 12, 2026.
The project, dubbed INNA, was spearheaded by AES Andes, the Chilean subsidiary of U.S.-based AES Corporation. The company had planned to develop a 3,000-hectare site in the Atacama Desert, in northern Chile, to harness solar and wind energy for the production of green hydrogen and ammonia – a gas used in fertilizer manufacturing. The increasing demand for green hydrogen as a clean energy source has led to a surge in projects globally, but concerns about environmental impact are growing.
“The environmental impact study of the project (…) is considered abandoned,” according to a document provided to AFP by the Chilean Environmental Evaluation Service (SEA). AES Andes announced the project’s abandonment in late January, but formal validation from Chilean authorities was still pending.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) had strongly opposed the project, citing concerns about light pollution potentially disrupting astronomical observations. ESO officials immediately welcomed the anticipated end of the project.
“Due to its location, the project would have posed a major threat to the Earth’s darkest and clearest skies and to the performance of the world’s most advanced astronomical facilities,” stated Xavier Barcons, Director General of the European Southern Observatory (ESO), in a press release. The ESO’s concerns highlight the delicate balance between renewable energy development and preserving unique scientific resources.
According to the observatoire européen Austral, the proposed complex would have covered more than 30 square kilometers and been located between 5 and 11 kilometers from the Paranal telescopes.
The project envisioned 1.7 GW of solar capacity and 534 MW of wind power, aiming to produce over 217,000 tons of green hydrogen annually, with a portion converted into ammonia for export and the remainder liquefied. Construction was initially slated to begin in 2027, with a five-year buildout period.
As reported by France 24, the decision underscores the importance of considering the impact of large-scale industrial projects on sensitive scientific environments.
