Spain is proposing a significant investment of four hundred million euros to bring the Thirty Metre Telescope, known as TMT, to La Palma island. The announcement was made by the Minister for Science and Innovation, Diana Morant, during a meeting of the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC) board. This initiative marks one of the most ambitious investments in Spain’s recent scientific history and reflects the country’s commitment to advancing global astronomy.

The TMT project is designed to be the most advanced telescope in the northern hemisphere, with a primary mirror measuring thirty metres in diameter. It aims to explore the universe in unprecedented detail, investigating fields such as the search for exoplanets and the origins of galaxies. Morant emphasised that Spain has already secured the necessary permits in twenty nineteen, demonstrating preparedness for this strategic infrastructure.

In light of challenges faced by the Hawaii site, where local opposition and withdrawal of US government support have stalled progress, Morant asserts that La Palma represents a viable alternative. She described the proposal as realistic and robust, anticipating a response from the TMT Foundation within three months. Additionally, Morant announced the approval of an eighteen point six million euro budget for the IAC for twenty twenty-five, including an extraordinary increase of two million euros.

The councillor for Science of the Government of the Canary Islands, Migdalia Machín, expressed her gratitude for this crucial investment and its potential to drive scientific progress and economic growth in La Palma. Machín highlighted the importance of institutional cooperation based on trust and shared knowledge, reaffirming the commitment to responsible innovation and collaboration in scientific endeavors.