ROME: The Vatican is planning to build a renewable energy plant worth around $117 million, combining solar power generation with agriculture, in a major step towards making Vatican City fully energy self-sufficient.
The proposed 80–90 megawatt (MW) agrivoltaic facility will be developed at the Vatican-owned Santa Maria di Galeria estate on the outskirts of northwestern Rome. Once completed, it is expected to rank among Italy’s largest agrivoltaic installations.
The project will use solar panels elevated several metres above the ground, allowing crops to be cultivated underneath. The arrangement can also provide shade to crops, helping reduce water evaporation and protect agricultural production from extreme weather conditions.
A joint Italian-Vatican commission met earlier this month to initiate work on the project following Italy’s ratification of a bilateral agreement with the Vatican covering development of the site.
Sources familiar with the discussions said construction could take approximately 18 to 24 months, including the required permitting and administrative procedures. However, officials have not yet publicly disclosed the project’s final cost, capacity or completion schedule.
The solar facility is primarily intended to supply electricity to Vatican Radio’s transmission station and contribute to the Vatican’s goal of achieving energy independence.
Electricity generated by the project could also support Vatican-linked facilities in Rome, including Bambino Gesù Hospital. Any surplus power is expected to be made available to Italy.
Unlike Italian households and businesses installing solar systems, the Vatican will not be eligible for Italy’s financial incentives for solar power installations.
By Reuters
