Vatican City sun panels

Will Vatican City run on solar power?

Pope Francis has renewables on his mind as he says he wants Vatican City to run on solar power. To achieve his aim, solar panels will be installed on a Vatican-owned property outside Rome. The power generated could supply all of Vatican City's energy needs.

Could power supply all of Vatican City's energy needs?

The power generated could supply all of Vatican City's energy needs. In an apostolic letter issued "motu proprio," on his own initiative, the Pope said: “It is necessary to transition to a sustainable development model that reduces greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, aiming for climate neutrality,”

Where is the new Vatican Radio system being built?

The construction will take place on Vatican property approximately 11 miles from Rome, in the area of Santa Maria di Galeria. The property is currently used for broadcasting Vatican Radio. The system will combine renewable electricity production with the needs of the underlying agricultural land.

Where does Pope Francis build a agrivoltaic plant?

With the Apostolic Letter “Fratello sole,” issued motu proprio, Pope Francis provides for the construction of an agrivoltaic plant in the extraterritorial zone of Santa Maria in Galeria, where Vatican Radio maintains antennas for digital broadcasting. By Christopher Wells

Where is Vatican Radio located?

Located on the edge of Rome, the 424-hectare site houses the transmission facilities for Vatican Radio, thanks to a 1951 agreement between the Holy See and the Italian State. The new plant is intended to supply the energy needs of Vatican Radio and contribute to “the complete energy sustenance of Vatican City State.”

Why did Pope Francis embrace solar power?

In Fratello Sole, Pope Francis roots the decision to embrace solar power in his own invitation "to all mankind," in the encyclical Laudato sí, to make lifestyle changes to counter global warming and the “pervasive” use of fossil fuels.