Story perspectives

Chile Cancels $10B Hydrogen Project to Protect Astronomy

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The INNA project, a $10 billion green hydrogen facility, has been canceled in Chile.
Astronomers opposed the project, warning it would harm observations at the Paranal Observatory.
Chile’s environmental evaluation service confirmed the withdrawal after discussions with AES Andes, the proposing company.
The Very Large Telescope at Paranal has contributed to three Nobel prizes.
The Extremely Large Telescope is under construction nearby and expected to enhance Earth-like exoplanet exploration.

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Story summary

The INNA project, a $10 billion green hydrogen facility, has been canceled in Chile.
Astronomers opposed the project, warning it would harm observations at the Paranal Observatory.
Chile’s environmental evaluation service confirmed the withdrawal after discussions with AES Andes, the proposing company.
The Very Large Telescope at Paranal has contributed to three Nobel prizes.
The Extremely Large Telescope is under construction nearby and expected to enhance Earth-like exoplanet exploration.