Sources: Vatican to build EUR100 Million Renewable Energy Plant
Sources involved in the project have confirmed that the Vatican plans to build a renewable energy plant worth approximately EUR100 million ($117million) which could power the Holy See for two years using a solar and agricultural power system.
Sources said that the agrivoltaic facility is expected to be one of Italy's biggest installations. It will have a power of 80-90 megawatts. Solar panels are installed several metres above ground level so that crops can be grown beneath. The shade helps to reduce evaporation, and protects plants from extreme weather.
The joint Italian-Vatican Commission met in early October to launch the development project on the Vatican's Santa Maria di Galeria estate, located just outside Rome. This comes after Italy approved a bilateral agreement with the Vatican for the site's development by 2025.
After the meeting, officials did not reveal any details about?the cost of the project, its capacity or timeframe. Sources involved in the discussion said that the plant's completion could take between 18 and 24 months, including administrative procedures.
The Vatican didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment.
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world. It covers 108 acres, and has fewer than 900 inhabitants.
Santa Maria di Galeria, a 450-hectare site on the outskirts of Rome, is where Vatican Radio has been transmitting since the 1950s.
EXCESS ELECTRICITY WOULD BE SUPPLIED TO ITALY
The plant will provide power for Vatican Radio's transmitter station, and also help to make Vatican City State energy-independent.
Sources said that the power can also be used to control Holy See-linked properties, including Rome's Bambino Gesu Hospital.
The Vatican will not receive any of the financial incentives offered to Italian businesses and households who install solar energy. The surplus electricity will be given to Italy.
One of the two sources stated that solar panels could cover 200 hectares or nearly half of Santa Maria di Galeria.
Pope Leo XIV has also endorsed the project.
The agreement signed between Italy and Vatican City extends to the agrivoltaic projects the special status already accorded to Vatican Radio, which includes exemptions from Italian tax and public charges.
The Italian ratification law stipulates that implementation of the agreement cannot result in any additional or new burdens on public finances.
In the next few weeks, contracts for the work will go out to tender.
SolarWorld and SMA Solar Technology, both German-born companies, donated 2,400 photovoltaic solar panels and equipment to the Nervi Hall in 2008, where papal audiences and concerts are held.
(source: Reuters)
