The Vatican plans to build a solar farm north of Rome, which could turn it into the first carbon neutral state of the world. The project will be created on Santa Maria Galeria and was officially agreed with the Italian government. Referring to AP writes TASR.
The 430 hectare land in question is located approximately 35 kilometers from Rome and has an extraterritorial status – it is therefore in Italy’s territorybut under the Vatican administration. The Vatican estimates an investment at less than EUR 100 million. The approval of the intention of the Italian Parliament will be followed by public procurement. The solar farm is to cover the energy needs of the Vatican and its excess performance will be provided to the local community. At the same time, Italy will count the project to its goals in the field of renewable resources within the EU.
On the basis of the agreement, the agricultural character of the territory and minimized environmental intervention will be maintained. The Vatican will not pay duty or taxes for the import of solar panels, but it will not receive financial incentiveswhat Italy usually provides for this purpose.
Santa Maria Galeria has long been a source of tension for the presence of Vatican Radio transmitters, which have been transmitted by signal to the world since the age of 50. As the area gradually populated, The inhabitants began to warn that electromagnetic radiation brings them health problems. The lawsuits did not prove a direct link to transmitters with the health problems of the population, but the Vatican decided to limit the broadcast time.
The initiative to transform this area was created at the instigation of Pope Francis. His successor Pope Leo XIV. the project was actively taken over and expressed support for the ecological legacy of its predecessor.
