DEVON has achieved the biggest increase in the region in the amount of heat generated from renewable energy in the past year, but still lags behind Cornwall as the South West's top user of green power.

According to a new survey, Devon added the greatest amount to its installed heat capacity, with 4.58MW, closing the gap between it and leading county Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The poll by sustainable energy agency Regen SW indicated that individuals and businesses in the region are taking significant steps to move away from using oil and gas for heating, by switching to burning wood from sustainable, local sources.

The annual Survey of Renewable Electricity and Heat Projects in South West England showed that heat from renewable sources has risen by 36 per cent to 56MW, while electricity from renewable sources has grown by just 2.89MW to 155MW — enough to power approximately all of the houses in Plymouth and Exeter combined.

The majority of the increase in renewable heat, which has increased tenfold over the past four years, is due to new biomass boilers being fitted throughout the South West.

Merlin Hyman, Regen SW chief executive, said: "We have seen a remarkable increase in the amount of heat being generated from renewable sources in the South West over the past 12 months, and this is set to increase even further over the next couple of years. We expect at least a further 40-50MW as a result of the South West Bioheat Programme.

"This shows that we can make a rapid switch to renewable energy, as long as we have the right support.

"Despite these positive results though, we have a huge task ahead of us."