Vatican is world's greenest state: official daily

AFP

Sunday 12 December 2010

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The tiny Vatican City is now by far the world's most environmentally friendly state following the installation of giant solar power panels, the Vatican's official daily said on Tuesday.

"The Vatican has reached a small record in solar energy power production per capita: 200 watts at peak times... per inhabitant, compared to 80 in Germany, the world leader in this field," Osservatore Romano said.

The Vatican City is the least populated sovereign state in the world, with a population of only around 800 people.

Italy produces just four watts per capita from solar energy.

Osservatore Romano said that the panels installed on the Paul VI conference hall two years ago had saved the Vatican 89.84 tons of oil equivalent.

Pope Benedict XVI has been dubbed the "green pope" by the Italian media for his strong emphasis on defence of the environment.

Earlier this month Vatican officials said they were thinking of using an electric-powered vehicle to replace the iconic popemobile.

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