Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, but although it covers only 0.17 square miles, it is fully recognized as a sovereign nation. However, despite its independence, Vatican City previously relied on electricity imported from Italy. However, as of May 28, 2026, a new agreement between the Holy See of the Vatican and the Italian government came into force (via Vatican News). A solar farm project in the territory of Santa Maria di Galeria, in the Vatican, will produce renewable energy for the small principality and finally make it energy independent.
This solar park would have a capacity of up to 90 megawatts, making it one of the largest agrivoltaic plants in Italy. This would power more than 15,500 homes in the United States. For comparison, America’s largest solar farm has nearly two million panels and a capacity of 1.3 gigawatts.
Given that Vatican City has fewer than 1,000 residents, it’s easy to imagine how this project can easily support the city-state. The solar panels will not interfere with agriculture on the Santa Maria di Galeria property, and any excess electricity produced by the plant will be made available to Italy. It’s a true win-win for everyone involved.
Vatican City sets a positive example in prioritizing solar energy
As a small country, Vatican City requires relatively little electricity to power its grid. However, it also faces the unique challenge of having so little space to build a fully operational solar farm. The Vatican overcame this obstacle by collaborating with Italy, which should serve as an inspiration to other nations on the path to sustainability.
That doesn’t mean other countries aren’t trying. Solar power officially overtook coal in the United States for the first time in 2026. And since 2025, the European Union has produced 30% of its electricity from wind and solar (via Ember). This is positive progress, although not without reservations. European solar farms face an unexpected threat from the Sahara when dust storms blow. Countries and communities will need to find ways to avoid severe weather as they continue to rely more and more on solar energy.
Although Vatican City could become the first country to run on solar energy, it will not be the first entirely solar city. Several cities already have this honor, such as Babcock Ranch, Florida, which was dubbed “the world’s most sustainable city” as early as 2016. Babcock Ranch’s solar operations were able to continue unhindered when Hurricane Ian passed over the city in 2022. Some states now produce more electricity from solar than from coal or natural gas, so we will likely see more sustainable cities across the country and the world very soon.
