In a landmark agreement, Italy has approved a plan to build a 430 hectare solar farm north of Rome, at Santa Maria Galeria. The initiative aims to generate enough renewable power to meet the energy needs of Vatican City and position it as the first-ever carbon-neutral country
🔋 Clean Energy Plans
- The site, previously home to Vatican Radio towers and once under legal scrutiny over electromagnetic emissions, will continue agricultural use alongside solar development.
Once Parliament signs off, the contracts for construction will go out to tender, with project costs expected to remain under €100 million (~$114 million)
⚖️ Financial & Regulatory Notes
- The Vatican is exempt from import taxes on solar panels but won’t receive domestic solar subsidies reserved for Italian citizens.
Any electricity generated beyond Vatican needs will be shared with the local community and count towards Italy’s EU clean energy targets
🌍 Follow-On to Pope Francis’ Vision
- The plan builds upon Pope Francis’s earlier environmental teachings, like his 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si,” and last year’s apostolic exhortation “Laudate Deum.”
Pope Leo XIV has since reaffirmed the church’s commitment by backing this sustainable development vision
📋 Summary Table
Key Element | Details |
Location | Santa Maria Galeria, 430 hectares north of Rome |
Purpose | Meet Vatican City’s energy needs + become first carbon-neutral state |
Environmental Setup | Solar panels integrated with continued agricultural land use |
Cost & Regulation | Under €100M; exempt from import taxes; no Italian subsidies |
Community & EU Impact | Excess power given to locals; contributes to Italy’s clean energy reporting |
Church Leadership | Initiative led by Pope Francis and supported by Pope Leo XIV |
Bottom Line
The Vatican’s solar farm plan is a historic stride toward sustainability — a powerful symbol of faith-based climate leadership, aligning institutional mission with real-world action.
Sources : AP