The Vatican is planning to develop a large-scale agrivoltaic project in Italy aimed at meeting its electricity needs and making Vatican City fully energy self-sufficient.
Renewables.az reports, citing Reuters, that the project estimated to cost around €100 million, will be built at the Vatican-owned Santa Maria di Galeria estate near Rome. The facility is expected to have a capacity of 80–90 MW and could be completed within 18–24 months, including permitting and administrative procedures.
The project will combine solar power generation with agriculture. Solar panels will be installed several metres above the ground, allowing crops to be cultivated underneath while providing protection from extreme weather and reducing water evaporation.
Around 200 hectares of the site could be covered by solar panels. The electricity generated will primarily supply the Vatican Radio transmission facilities and other Holy See-related sites, including potentially the Bambino Gesù Hospital in Rome.
Any surplus electricity generated by the plant is expected to be supplied to Italy.
Contracts for the construction of the project are expected to be tendered in the coming weeks.
