An ancient villa in Pompeii lit with photovoltaic tiles

These tiles contain photovoltaic solar cells, allowing the archaeological site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to preserve its aesthetics while producing clean energy to illuminate splendid frescoes.

Although the project is still in its early stages, experts believe that these high-tech tiles could one day help green historic centers throughout the peninsula.

They are "exactly the same as the ancient Roman tiles" that we find on archaeological sites and towns around the Mediterranean, rejoices in an interview with AFP the director of the Pompeii site, Gabriel Zuchtriegel.

But if "Pompeii is a unique site because of its size and its complexity (...) I hope that this project will not be unique", wants to believe Mr. Zuchtriegel, 44 years old, who wants Pompeii to become a " real laboratory for sustainable development".

This pilot project highlights an extraordinary mural found in 1909 under meters of volcanic ash at the Villa of the Mysteries, buried with the rest of the city during the eruption of Vesuvius almost 2.000 years ago.

Terracotta

It depicts women devoting themselves to the worship of Dionysus, the god of wine and celebration, while they engage in mysterious rites.

The subject of this fresco has long intrigued researchers, with some suggesting that the owner of the villa was a priestess whose slaves participated in the rites of worship.

The three-wall fresco, one of the best preserved in Pompeii, is lit by special LED lights designed to bring the deep red, purple and gold scenes to life without damaging them.

Since October, these lamps have been powered by electricity produced by photovoltaic tiles.

Ahlux, the company that patented this system in 2022, installed its panels on the roof of the villa between traditional terracotta tiles.

Covering approximately 70 m2, they are connected to a sodium battery having a low impact on the environment, according to project manager Alberto Bruni.

Pompeii, which benefits from more than 15 hours of sunshine per day in the heart of summer, intends to extend their use to other villas, he assures.

Cities with red roofs

Various institutions have expressed interest in these new generation tiles, from the MAXXI modern art museum in Rome to the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana in Milan, boasts Ahlux founder Augusto Grillo. "The problem is finding funds," he observes, adding that many of Italy's historic buildings are public or belong to Catholic institutions.

Photovoltaic tiles, with a lifespan of between 20 and 25 years, cost a little more than the combined price of a new roof and traditional photovoltaic panels, although they have a dual purpose, since they also serve roofing, specifies Mr. Grillo.

Italy is currently under pressure to make its tile-roofed cities like Florence and Bologna greener, as part of Europe's efforts to combat climate change.

Under new EU legislation, states must renovate buildings to reduce their carbon emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

This is a huge challenge for Italy, where around 60% of buildings belong to the two least virtuous energy categories, compared to 17% in France and 6% in Germany, according to the Italian Association of Builders (ANCE) .

“We need national and perhaps European co-investment to ensure that the very ambitious deadlines have a chance of being respected,” said Angelica Donati, president of the association of young builders ANCE Giovani, for AFP.

“We have the most beautiful cities in the world, which means we need much more thoughtful interventions, and quickly. There is still a lot to do,” she concludes.