Reviewed by Lexie CornerOct 14 2024
Research published in Nature Sustainability suggests that building a renewable energy system for the AtLAST telescope in Chile’s remote Atacama Desert could meet 66 % of the energy needs of a nearby town, demonstrating the potential for cooperative infrastructure development. By integrating renewable energy into the telescope’s design, the local community on the Chajnantor plateau could benefit from cleaner energy sources, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.
The study indicates that applying similar systems to neighboring telescopes could cut fossil fuel energy production by 30 GWh annually, reducing emissions by 18–24 kilotons of CO2 equivalent. This could also provide local communities with affordable access to renewable energy.
Remote Astronomical Facilities
Chile’s Chajnantor plateau in the Atacama Desert hosts world-renowned observatories like the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment (APEX) and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). Due to their remote location, these astronomical facilities are often disconnected from the national energy grid and rely on gas and diesel generators to power their energy-intensive operations.
Atacama Desert Prime Location for Solar Energy
The Atacama Desert, known for its high levels of solar radiation, is a prime location for solar energy projects. 85 % of Chile's solar developments are located in the region. Despite this, Atacameños still pay higher energy costs than residents of the capital region.
San Pedro de Atacama, a popular tourist destination 100 km away from the national energy grid's terminus, has relied on diesel and natural gas generators up until 2022, with frequent power outages still occurring. Meanwhile, lithium mining in the region is powered primarily by renewable energy, which is then exported to neighboring provinces.
Researchers examined the potential to supply San Pedro de Atacama with surplus energy from the renewable energy system designed for the AtLAST telescope.
A solar renewable energy system sized to supply the telescope could cover 66 % of the electricity demand of San Pedro de Atacama without additional capacities in PV or battery.
Luis Ramirez Camargo, Study Co-Author and Assistant Professor, Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University
Energy Communities
This concept is based on "energy communities," which involve public, private, and commercial organizations collaborating to share or invest in energy infrastructure or provide energy services. It emphasizes transparent and fair decision-making.
The researchers organized forums for local residents and other stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges of transitioning to a more sustainable energy system in the San Pedro de Atacama region.
Allowing those who are truly affected to participate in the discussion and be able to influence decision-making is essential to arrive at just, locally applicable solutions for the energy transition.
Guillermo Valenzuela Venegas, Study Lead Author and Researcher, University of Oslo
Ramirez Camargo said, “Distributing benefits to multiple stakeholders through an energy community can lead to a more socially accepted and just energy transition. Our research shows that astronomy can lead by example in the urgent transition to an equitable net-zero world, keeping our planet habitable and ensuring no one is left behind.”
Journal Reference:
Valenzuela-Venegas, G., et al. (2024) A renewable and socially accepted energy system for astronomical telescopes. Nature Sustainability. doi.org/10.1038/s41893-024-01442-3.