Poor investment in refinery capabilities coupled with inflated crude oil prices will force more people in Ireland to seek renewable energy alternatives, it has been claimed.

The Sustainable Energy Association (SEA), which represents the manufacturers, suppliers and installers of renewable energy systems across the Republic, said the price of diesel and home heating oil is set to soar this winter as the Chinese economic growth is using more and more of the spare refinery capacity for distillates (heating oil and diesel).

Industry experts have projected a shortage of refinery capacity during this years heating season, which will in turn ramp up price pressure.

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This problem is likely to be worse next year as global demand recovers and should lead to dramatic growth in demand for renewable energy, according to the SEA.

China's oil-processing volume rose to a record in June as recovering economic growth boosted fuel demand and improved profits from refining encouraged production.

SEA spokesperson John Hardy said: "It has been a difficult year for the renewables industry in Ireland due to the economic crisis and the falling price of crude oil. However, there are signs that the global economy is starting to recover.

"This will bring with it the double effects of greater economic security and higher demand for oil, both of which will result in more people adopting renewables as their source of electricity and heat."

He continued: "Ireland has the resources in terms of natural supply, manufacturing capacity, and a skilled workforce, to allow it to become more self- sufficient in its energy supply and avoid those who are most vulnerable from being susceptible to increasing oil prices.

"The smart money is on the installation of renewable systems in homes and businesses as the answer to escalating costs."

(PR/BMcC)