Diana Morant announces that the Government of Spain is offering up to 400 million euros to build the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) in La Palma
- The Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities has informed the Governing Council of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), which she chaired today in La Palma, that she has sent a formal proposal to the Foundation that manages the TMT for Spain to host what will be the largest and most advanced telescope in the northern hemisphere.
- Morant stated that "in view of the risks of paralysis of this great international scientific project, the Government of Spain has decided to act with a redoubled commitment to science and large scientific infrastructures for the benefit of global knowledge".
News Release from Government of Spain, Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities July 23, 2025
The Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant, has announced that the Government of Spain is willing to offer up to 400 million euros, through the Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI), to attract the Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT) to the island of La Palma, in the Canary Islands.
The minister announced this during the meeting of the Governing Council of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), which she chaired today in La Palma, where she reported that this afternoon she has sent a formal proposal to the Foundation that manages the TMT for Spain to host what will be the largest and most advanced telescope in the northern hemisphere. "Spain wants and can be the headquarters of the future of astronomy and astrophysics. We have the capacity and the political will to do so," he stressed.
Morant stated that "in view of the risks of paralysis of this great international scientific project, the Government of Spain has decided to act with a redoubled commitment to science and large scientific infrastructures for the benefit of global knowledge" and added that "while some countries are cutting investments in science and even denying it, Spain is a refuge for science, it is the home of scientists who seek to advance and develop their projects."
The TMT will allow, with a primary mirror of 30 meters in diameter, to explore the Universe with an unprecedented level of detail: from the study of exoplanets to the origin of galaxies and dark matter.
Currently, there are two possible places to host this infrastructure: Hawaii or the Canary Islands. In 2019, the Government of Spain already expressed its desire for the TMT to be built on this island and now, six years later, it is taking a decisive step with a strategic investment that will benefit the European Union, Spain, the Canary Islands and especially La Palma.
"If it materializes, it will mean not only the construction of the telescope, but decades of scientific operation, generation of qualified employment and economic and social boost for the island," said the minister.
Commitment of the Government of Spain to the IAC
Morant also reiterated the commitment of the Government of Spain to the IAC, which he described as "one of the main world leaders in astronomy and a strategic asset for our country".
The minister stressed that the IAC's budget will grow in 2025 to almost two million additional euros, thanks to an extraordinary contribution from the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. In total, 18.6 million euros will be used to strengthen the scientific, technical and technological activity of the Institute.
"In recent years alone, thanks to European funds, we have mobilised an additional 22 million euros, with a degree of execution already above 83%. This investment means more than 80 new contracts for research and technical staff, with stable and quality employment," he detailed.
The meeting of the Governing Council was also attended by the Minister of Universities, Science and Innovation and Culture of the Government of the Canary Islands, Migdalia Machín; the Secretary General of Research, Eva Ortega; the president of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Eloísa del Pino; the rector of the University of La Laguna (ULL), Francisco J. García; and the director of the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC), Valentín Martínez, among other authorities.
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Spain Extends Invitation for TMT to Consider La Palma Site
News Release from TMT, July 23rd, 2025
Today the Science Minister of Spain invited TMT to consider a move from our site in Hawaii to our alternative site in La Palma.
For over ten years, TMT has been engaging in discussions about the La Palma location as part of our contingency planning. No decision has been made about TMT’s future at our primary site in Hawaii.
The construction of TMT remains an exciting part of the future of astronomy. The project will realize the most sophisticated telescope ever constructed, at a scale needed to make the next generation of breakthroughs in the search for life on other planets, uncovering the nature of dark matter and dark energy that makes up most of our universe, and finding answers to the question of our very origins.
We will work expeditiously to secure our project’s future at the best site available to us.
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