Vatican monocrystalline photovoltaic panels

While not yet fully powered by renewables, the Vatican has steadily expanded its solar infrastructure since 2008: over 2,394 photovoltaic panels—many atop the Paul VI Audience Hall—already generate around 300 MWh of electricity annually.

In 2024, the Vatican announced a new solar plant to be built on Church-owned land outside Rome, positioning the city-state to become the eighth country in the world to run entirely on renewable electricity. The project will also include agricultural activity, creating an “agrivoltaic” site that combines solar energy production with farming.

The Vatican's commitment to green energy is further exemplified by its partnership with the utility company Acea, which now supplies the state with electricity exclusively from renewable sources. This shift ensures that all the energy consumed within the Vatican's walls is entirely green, setting a powerful example for the global community.

The Vatican has introduced low-energy lighting systems; over 100,000 LED lights have replaced older fixtures, cutting energy consumption by up to 90% while protecting delicate frescoes from heat exposure. Villa Barberini, Pontificial Gardens at Castel Gandolfo: Photo by Sonse - Villa Barberini Pontifical Gardens, Castel Gandolfo, CC BY 2.0,

The future installation would be projected to “ensure, not only the power supply of the radio station existing there, but also the complete energy support of Vatican City State,” he wrote. Fast forward to 2025, and the project is completed.

The Vatican has introduced low-energy lighting systems; over 100,000 LED lights have replaced older fixtures, cutting energy consumption by up to 90% while protecting delicate frescoes from heat exposure. The Vatican is going green with solar panels, EVs, and net-zero goals—blending faith and climate action in a push for sustainability.