The Westcountry could become a world leader in renewable technology if it "buys into" a vision for a green future, environmental leaders claim.

Tim Smit, the mastermind behind Cornwall's Eden Project, urged people to "grab the opportunity" and position the region at the forefront of renewable energy during a special conference yesterday.

Experts say Cornwall is well placed to become a renewable energy pioneer, due to its geographical position enjoying the best of tidal, solar and wind-powered energy.

Speaking at the special renewable and low-carbon energy conference, held at The Eden Project, Mr Smit said: "So much rubbish is talked about in London, it's all theory. But there are so many people here in Cornwall who want to do things.

"Make no mistake, we have great opportunities in Cornwall. We need to get in there first, with a broad range of renewable energy projects."

More than 150 energy experts from across Europe heard Mr Smit join other leading environmental supremos in making an impassioned request for action.

Mr Smit added: "The competition will get so great that we might suffer if we don't get in there first.

"Let's avoid using jargon – let's have a vision. It requires being brave and saying, this is where we are going.

"We need people who are prepared to get dirt under their fingernails. But I hope that in five years' time we will be able to look back and see what we have achieved."

Mr Smit's plea was followed by experts outlining plans for a range of renewable energy projects across Cornwall.

Discussions focussed on-shore wind turbines and anaerobic digestion, as well as projects such as geothermal mining, in which engineers drill into the Earth's crust to superheat water for energy.

Environmental groups in Devon have also embraced efforts to cut carbon emissions, with Modbury becoming the first town in the UK to ban plastic bags from its shops.

The conference, organised by a range of groups including Eden, Regen SW and Cornwall Council, was the latest high-profile effort to position Cornwall as a world leader in green technology.

In February, the council announced a programme of projects designed to make the county carbon-neutral by 2025. Ideas included creating the UK's first solar wind farm, earmarked for a site near Newquay Cornwall Airport, as well as increase the number of electricity-powered vehicles on the county's roads by winning European funding for 450 plug-in power points.

Addressing the delegates, Tim German from the council's Low Carbon Cornwall project stressed the need to embrace new technology.

He said: "Sustainable and renewable energy is really important for Cornwall's future. It is both a challenge and an opportunity for this county.

"The low-carbon plan is fundamentally important for Cornwall, which is why we have set up the Green Cornwall project."

Adrian Lea, the council's head of natural resources, said: "The amount of interest (in renewable energy) has been phenomenal in the last year. Landowners want to know how to maximise the power of their land, and there is also interest from energy companies and energy users.

"There has also been great support at a community level."

One of the projects identified at the conference was the Ladock and Grampound Road low-carbon community scheme. This year the project won a grant of up to £500,000 to help transform the community, embracing green technology and sustainability. A similar project in Exmoor also won a share of the £10 million fund to create its own low-carbon project.

Mr Lea said, who described Cornwall as "the best sweetie shop" for its selection of fine renewable energy options, said: "We recognise there is change ahead. But the future looks bright."