Time to look at the alternatives

With tensions in the Middle East causing crude oil prices to rise, a co-op’s new woodchip-burning energy plant in Roscommon can cut oil use by 70% and halve carbon emissions, reports Ray Ryan.

CRUDE oil prices are on the increase, as concerns mount that escalating violence in Iraq could disrupt supplies from the second-largest producer in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

The jittery oil markets, growing tension and increasing political volatility across the Middle East has again focused attention in Ireland on alternative energy sources to reduce processing costs for industry.