Where does Pope Francis build a agrivoltaic plant?

With the Apostolic Letter “Fratello sole,” issued motu proprio, Pope Francis provides for the construction of an agrivoltaic plant in the extraterritorial zone of Santa Maria in Galeria, where Vatican Radio maintains antennas for digital broadcasting. By Christopher Wells

What is the agrivoltaic system based on?

The agrivoltaic system to be built here is based on «Fratello Sole», a motu proprio that Pope Leo XIV issued to promote environmental responsibility within Vatican infrastructure. The project aims to meet the full energy needs of both the Vatican State and Vatican Radio using solar technology integrated with agricultural activity.

Who entrusted the construction of the agrivoltaic plant?

The construction of the agrivoltaic plant has been entrusted to the President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, Cardinal Fernando Véregez Alzaga, LC; and the President of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, Archbishop Giordano Piccinotti, SDB.

What did Pope Francis say about agrivoltaic energy?

Citing Pope Francis’s «Laudato Si’», Gallagher reminded listeners that access to clean, renewable energy remains elusive for many across the globe, and that while progress has been made, systemic change is still slow. The agrivoltaic project is one of those “good practices” Pope Francis called for in his encyclical a decade ago.

How do Agrivoltaics work?

Agrivoltaics involves the dual use of land for solar energy production and agriculture. They are built with a series of solar panels that coexist with crops, livestock or both. Sometimes the solar arrays are situated on top of greenhouses, interwoven among crops, or elevated plants. Where is the Vatican’s solar installation located?

Where is the agrivoltaic plant located?

The agrivoltaic plant is situated on the Holy See’s property at Santa Maria di Galeria on the outskirts of Rome. The 1000+ acre site is a good match for the agrivoltaic plant, as it was already the location for Vatican Radio transmission facilities for digital broadcasting.