The South West has been awarded £3m to invest in a range of bioheat projects, putting the region at the forefront of this emerging renewable energy sector.

The investment, from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), is a direct result of the South West Bioheat Programme, which was launched last year with £650,000 funding from the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) and £10,000 from the Forestry Commission.

Run by the South West's own renewable energy agency, Regen SW, the programme has been identifying and providing support to potential bioheat projects in the region, as well as setting up a supply chain to provide wood fuel and offering training courses relevant to the industry.

It has identified 30 potential projects for funding and Defra is releasing £3m from its Bio-energy Capital Grants Scheme to help make them a reality.

Together, the projects could provide up to 32 megawatts of renewable heat, saving an estimated 7,000 tonnes of carbon a year by replacing oil fired heating systems with wood-fuelled systems. Locations include council offices, creameries and plant nurseries.

Jonny Boston, energy manager for the SWRDA, said: "This is a tremendous result for the region and represents a massive advancement in biomass technology in the South West. Developing alternative sources of energy both for electricity and for heating, of which bioheat is a key component, is vital in tackling climate change and promoting a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy.

"That's why the RDA has been investing in the development of new renewable energy technologies including wave, tidal and biomass. Our initial investment in the South West Bioheat Programme put the region in pole position to attract this government funding, and we're delighted that ministers have recognised that with this announcement."

Defra's Bio-energy Capital Grants Scheme was set up to support the installation of biomass-fuelled heat and combined heat and power projects in the industrial, commercial and community sectors.

Among the 30 projects that Regen SW has identified for potential bioheat plants are the Met Office in Exeter and Dairy Crest's creamery at Davidstow in North Cornwall.