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Recent research conducted by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) reveals substantial risks posed to southern hemisphere observatories by a planned hydrogen fuel facility, which contradicts claims made by its developers regarding safety for astronomical operations.
The study brings to light concerns about plans for a 7,400-acre (3,000 hectares) energy processing megaproject proposed by Applied Energy Services (AES) Corporation, which the Chilean government is currently evaluating. The facility, known as the INNA hydrogen plant, is in close proximity to the renowned Paranal Observatory, known for its exceptionally dark skies, essential for astronomical observations.
Related: Green hydrogen project threatens pristine Paranal skies in Chile
Potentially Disastrous Impact
ESO has expressed skepticism about the environmental assessment conducted by AES, suggesting it does not adequately account for the potential adverse effects. Despite attempts to collaborate with AES to find ways to lessen these impacts, ESO claims their concerns were ignored.
In a recent announcement, ESO described the findings as “alarming.” The report indicates that the INNA facility could increase light pollution above the Very Large Telescope (VLT) by at least 35 percent and could elevate it by over 50 percent at the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory. Additionally, air turbulence caused by the facility will likely compromise observational conditions, while vibrations from construction activities might disrupt sensitive astronomical instruments, particularly the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), currently under development at Cerro Armazones.
According to ESO’s statement, the consequences of constructing the INNA facility could be “devastating and irreversible.”
“An increase in sky brightness restricts our ability to identify Earth-like exoplanets, observe dim galaxies, and track asteroids that may pose risks to our planet,” said Itziar de Gregorio-Monsalvo, ESO’s representative in Chile. “The largest and most powerful telescopes have been established in the best astronomy environments to unveil the universe’s hidden wonders. The light pollution from initiatives like INNA not only hampers research but also diminishes our collective cosmic view.”
Beyond Light Pollution
In crafting the report, ESO utilized publicly available details about AES’s proposed plans, considering the use of minimally invasive lighting technologies. However, concerns were raised about the completeness and appropriateness of the planned lighting sources, which, if insufficient, might lead to even worse impacts than those estimated.
Observatories regularly conduct critical research even under the presence of thin clouds; however, the artificial light emitted by the INNA facility would hinder this capability as clouds tend to reflect artificial ground lights.
Moreover, the installation of planned wind turbines could result in a degradation of observing conditions by up to 40 percent. Additionally, construction activities will generate vibrations that disturb sensitive instruments and produce dust, further complicating research efforts.
“To safeguard the pristine skies of Paranal and ensure the future of astronomical research, relocating the INNA complex is imperative,” stated de Gregorio-Monsalvo on behalf of the ESO consortium, which includes 16 nations.
The INNA project is part of Chile’s broader ambition to decarbonize its economy, and it is currently under governmental scrutiny.
For further details, ESO has made additional information available in their executive summary of the report.
Source
www.astronomy.com