The Holy Father has directed the construction of an agrivoltaic system on Vatican-owned land in Santa Maria di Galeria, located just outside Rome. Vatican City now runs fully on solar power. Credit: Petr Polak Most people would not expect the world's smallest country, with fewer than 1,000 residents, to lead the global energy conversation. By Christopher Wells Highlighting the need “to. The Vatican City, the heart of the Catholic Church and a symbol of religious heritage, is becoming a beacon of modern sustainable practices with its adoption of solar energy. In his motu proprio Fratello Sole, an official proclamation of the Pope to the Roman Catholic Church.
The plant will be located in Santa Maria di Galeria, some 11 kilometers from Rome, where Vatican Radio's broadcasting station is located. Not only will this project generate renewable electricity, but it will also be integrated with the land's agricultural needs, combining modern technology with sustainable practices.
The Pope has given full authority to two special Commissioners to supervise the plant's construction, ensuring that the project is carried out efficiently and effectively. The energy generated by this solar plant will cover all the Vatican's energy needs, eliminating dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
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