The central Executive, the European Investment Bank and the ICO propose mobilising up to €1 billion for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) to be located at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory.
La Palma's bid to host the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) has received top-level financial backing. The Government of Spain, along with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Official Credit Institute (ICO), has proposed mobilising up to €1 billion to make the project viable if the international consortium promoting the telescope chooses the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory as its site.
The Ministry of Universities, Science and Innovation and Culture of the Government of the Canary Islands has assessed this announcement on Wednesday as a significant advance that strengthens the island's options. Councillor Migdalia Machín highlighted that the financial backing represents a new boost to a strategic project for research and acknowledges the work carried out over the years by the scientific institutions and the administrations involved.
“Canary Islands has demonstrated for decades that it has exceptional conditions for astronomical observation and possesses the knowledge, experience and necessary infrastructure to host internationally significant scientific projects. Today's announcement strengthens that path and recognises sustained work that now has substantial financial backing,” said Machín.
The councillor thanked the determination of the central Government, the involvement of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, the EIB, the ICO, the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC), and all the entities that have contributed to this progress. “The cooperation between administrations and institutions has allowed us to present a solid and competitive project. This joint effort opens an extraordinary opportunity for La Palma and reinforces the position of the Canary Islands as an international reference in astrophysics,” she added.
The TMT is one of the most ambitious telescopes in the world, with a 30-meter diameter mirror that will allow for unprecedented detail in observing the universe. Its construction is planned for the northern hemisphere, and Roque de los Muchachos is competing with the Mauna Kea Observatory in Hawaii as a possible location. The final decision rests with the international TMT consortium, made up of institutions from the United States, Japan, China, India, and Canada.
Machín expressed confidence that the project for La Palma will be valued for the excellence of the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, the scientific prestige of the IAC, and the unique natural conditions offered by the island's skies. The installation of the telescope, she emphasised, would provide a boost for excellence in research, attract talent, and consolidate the leadership of the Canary Islands in astrophysics.
For the residents of La Palma, the arrival of the TMT would represent a notable economic and social impact. It is estimated that construction would generate hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, and the operational phase would maintain a stable team of scientists and technicians. Additionally, it would enhance the island's image as a destination for scientific tourism and star observation, a growing sector.
Wednesday's announcement is part of a strategy by the Government of Spain to support large scientific infrastructures. The mobilisation of up to €1 billion includes funds from the EIB and the ICO, as well as budget allocations from the Ministry of Science. The proposal will need to be evaluated by the TMT consortium, which has not yet set a date for the final decision.
The Roque de los Muchachos Observatory already hosts top-level telescopes, such as the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), which is 10.4 meters, and the Swedish Solar Telescope. Its atmospheric conditions and sky quality place it among the best in the world for astronomy. The La Palma bid also has the backing of the international scientific community, which values the political stability and institutional support of the Canary Islands.
Councillor Machín concluded that “the installation of the TMT in La Palma would be a milestone for Spanish and European science, and a driver of development for the island. We will continue working with all administrations to make this dream a reality.”
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