Vatican goes solar: The Pope of Green(wich) Village

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Holy solar panels! In an effort to reduce energy usage 20% by 2020 (the EU's guidelines), the Vatican is going solar.

Nervi Hall (also called Paul VI Auditorium) is one of the newest Vatican buildings (1971) and the destination for the photovoltaic panels, generously donated by SolarWorld. The panels apparently won't create an eyesore, due to the building's wavy roof design. It's unclear how Pope Benedict XVI will continue the renewable-energy renovation with all the centuries-old structures, but he is clearly committed to green efforts, calling the need to address climate change a "moral obligation".

Pope Benedict's predecessor was also a green supporter. In fact, back in 2002, Frank Asbeck (CEO of SolarWorld) asked Pope John Paul II to pray to keep their solar panels from being stolen. Whether or not that prayer was ever uttered, SolarWorld is thriving. They recently offered to buy GM's Opel division, with the intention of turning it into Europe's first green automotive company. SolarWorld had a hand in creating a solar sports car, so they're not without automotive experience, but they would rely on Opel employees to help them develop electric and hybrid drives.

What's next, a hybrid popemobile?

(Photo Credit: eBaum's World)

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