Will Pope Francis build a solar farm?

REUTERS/Yara Nardi/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights VATICAN CITY, June 26 (Reuters) - Pope Francis, a vocal campaigner for action against climate change and on environmental protection, on Wednesday ordered the construction of a solar farm to cover the energy needs of the Vatican City State.

How much solar energy does the Vatican produce a year?

Thanks to a unique photovoltaic plant installed on the roof of the Vatican Audience Hall, the Papal State has been producing 300 MWh of solar energy every year since its installation in 2008. The project was planned and managed by BayWa r.e. with the PV modules, inverters and its installation donated by solar technology provider, SolarWorld.

Where is Vatican Radio located?

Located on the edge of Rome, the 424-hectare site houses the transmission facilities for Vatican Radio, thanks to a 1951 agreement between the Holy See and the Italian State. The new plant is intended to supply the energy needs of Vatican Radio and contribute to “the complete energy sustenance of Vatican City State.”

Why did Pope Francis embrace solar power?

In Fratello Sole, Pope Francis roots the decision to embrace solar power in his own invitation "to all mankind," in the encyclical Laudato sí, to make lifestyle changes to counter global warming and the “pervasive” use of fossil fuels.

How can the Vatican save CO2?

In the heart of the Vatican, we converted 2,134m 2 of idle roof space into a source of green renewable energy. The energy produced by this plant is directly fed into the Vatican's grid, helping to save around 225 tons of CO 2 each year.

Where should a solar farm be built?

Expressing his wishes in a Motu Proprio, a personal papal edict, the 87-year-old pontiff said the solar farm should be built outside Vatican walls, in Santa Maria Galeria in the northwestern outskirts of Rome. The area belongs to the Vatican and already hosts a broadcasting centre for Vatican Radio, which will also be powered by the new solar farm.