Vatican to build €100 million solar power plant near Rome

VATICAN — The Vatican is preparing to build a renewable energy plant at a cost of around €100 million, with the aim of achieving energy self-sufficiency within roughly two years. The facility will be constructed at the Santa Maria di Galeria estate northwest of Rome and will combine solar power generation with agricultural use, according to the information received. It is expected to have a production capacity of between 80 and 90 megawatts, with licensing and administrative procedures projected to take 18 to 24 months. Solar panels will be installed at a height that allows farming underneath and protects crops from excessive evaporation. The energy produced will primarily supply Vatican Radio's transmission station and can also be used by other institutions under the papal office. Any surplus electricity will be transferred to Italy, though the Vatican will not benefit from Italian financial incentives offered for solar energy systems.