Power plants main culprits in CO2 emissions

The Marsa and Delimara power stations were the main culprits in terms of carbon dioxide gas and caused almost 75 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions.

The energy sector, which included transport, was the largest contributor to national greenhouse gas emissions, amounting to 88 per cent in 2007.

The waste sector came second, with 6.6 per cent, according to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

The authority said it had just submitted two reports to the European Commission on greenhouse gas emissions and recommended policies to cut the emissions.

The reports noted that Malta's overall greenhouse gas emissions were very small compared to the rest of the EU and amounted to just one per cent of the EU-27 emissions.

The emissions, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2), increased by 49 per cent between 1990 and 2007.

Emissions per person rose from 5.5 tonnes in 1990 to 7.3 tonnes in 2007 due to an increased demand for energy, with more waste generated and road transport.

Greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector were equivalent to 6.6 per cent of the national emissions, of which 86 per cent was generated by solid waste disposal.