The Vatican’s renewable energy achievement demonstrates how even the world’s smallest nations can join countries running on renewable energy.
The Vatican City has achieved complete energy independence through renewable sources, making it one of only eight countries running on renewable energy worldwide. Before his death, Pope Francis fulfilled his green energy vision with a massive solar installation that now powers all of Vatican City’s operations.
Italian energy company ACEA completed the project in just six months, installing photovoltaic panels on Vatican-owned property outside Rome. The solar array generates enough power to supply Vatican Radio and all of Vatican City State’s energy needs.
The agrivoltaic plant sits on over 1,000 acres of Holy See property at Santa Maria di Galeria, located on Rome’s outskirts. This dual-purpose system combines solar energy production with agricultural land use, allowing crops and solar panels to coexist on the same property.
Vatican City joins Albania, Bhutan, Nepal, Paraguay, Iceland, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as countries running on renewable energy. These seven nations each generate over 99.7% of their consumed electricity through geothermal, hydro, solar, or wind power sources.
The project represents a significant financial investment in clean energy infrastructure, though specific cost figures remain unknown. The Vatican’s commitment demonstrates how even small nations can achieve complete energy independence through strategic planning and modern technology.
Pope Francis launched this initiative after expressing deep concern about climate change. In his 2015 letter “Laudato Si’,” he wrote about the troubling warming of the climate system and rising sea levels accompanied by extreme weather events. The Pope wanted to model sustainable development that reduces greenhouse gas emissions while achieving climate neutrality.
In 2022, the Vatican formally joined the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This global agreement brings nations together to address dangerous human interference with Earth’s climate system.
Pope Francis published an Apostolic Letter called “Fratello sole” or “Brother Sun” that promoted solar energy worldwide. The letter encouraged people to change their lifestyles to counter global warming and reduce fossil fuel dependence. The Pope specifically highlighted solar energy’s key role in fighting climate change.
Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga and Archbishop Giordano Piccinotti led the Vatican’s solar project as special commissioners appointed by Pope Francis. These officials oversaw the transition from planning to completion.
The Vatican’s example inspires Catholic communities globally to adopt renewable energy solutions. Solar lights have transformed daily life for over 9,000 households in Malawi, particularly in areas without access to electricity. Sister Bernadette Mnyenyembe reports that families now save money previously spent on batteries, candles, and paraffin.
The Maasin diocese in the Philippines made international headlines as the first worldwide to equip all its churches with solar panels. Installing solar panels in 42 parish churches will prevent 191 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over 25 years.
Among countries running on renewable energy, different nations have achieved this goal through various approaches. Albania and Paraguay obtain 100% of their electricity from hydropower, while Iceland uses 72% hydro and 28% geothermal energy. Ethiopia and Nepal rely heavily on hydroelectric power from their mountainous terrain, while Bhutan combines hydropower with other renewable sources.
See also: Solar Power Energy in Europe: Europe is Winning the Race
Norway comes close to joining countries running on renewable energy, with 98.38% of its electricity from renewable sources. These examples show that multiple pathways exist for achieving complete renewable energy independence.
Most houses of worship don’t pay taxes, making them ineligible for renewable energy tax benefits. Creative financing solutions have emerged to help religious organizations access solar power despite this limitation. Third-party investors sometimes purchase and install solar panels on church property, allowing congregations to benefit from clean energy without owning the equipment.
The federal Inflation Reduction Act included provisions for tax-exempt organizations to receive direct pay tax credits worth up to 30% of installation costs. However, recent political changes have created uncertainty around renewable energy programs.
The Vatican’s journey from fossil fuels to complete renewable energy independence shows how determined leadership can transform ambitious environmental goals into reality. Pope Francis turned his climate vision into concrete action that now powers the world’s smallest sovereign nation entirely through clean energy. This achievement positions Vatican City among the elite group of countries running on renewable energy, demonstrating that size doesn’t limit environmental ambition.
