Vatican looks to the heavens for power

The sea is blue, of course. Everyone knows that. But did you know the Holy See is turning green?

Seat of the Pope and the world’s smallest independent country, The Vatican, installed a new solar energy system. It supplies power to several key buildings in the complex, with more to come – the Vatican is committed to use 20 per cent renewable energy by 2020.

The system is installed on the roof of Nervi Hall, which is one of the largest buildings in the Vatican, and hardly a forgotten outpost. Among other locations, Nervi is where His Holiness Pope Benedict XIV grants audiences to visiting foreign and church dignitaries. Built in 1971, Nervi is – by far – one of the newest and most modern buildings in the Vatican. It was a natural choice for solar panelling. The hall can hold 10,000 people and serves as the Vatican’s unofficial concert venue.

Between papal audiences, concerts and day-to-day demands, Nervi has significant energy needs. The 2,400 individual photovoltaic panels installed on the roof are expected to supply 100 per cent of Nervi’s needs. It’s estimated the energy savings equate to around 70 tonnes of oil.

Those fearing the altering of one of the world’s most famous (and undeniably beautiful) skylines can rest easy. The panels will not be visible from below, leaving the view unchanged.

Pope Benedict has spoken out on environmental issues, saying that global environmental damage is making “the lives of poor people on earth especially unbearable.”

It’s only natural he would look to the heavens for a solution.