Artist's impression of a double rotor tidal machine

The tides around the island are the third fastest in the world and experts claim that enough electricity could be harnessed to power millions of homes.

Alderney States thinks the logistical problems of putting in equipment to generate the power could be overcome.

Former States member Colin Williams says it could be a major money spinner for Alderney.

He has called for a States-controlled, privately-funded company to investigate the tidal flow patterns and use that data to persuade technology developers to use Alderney as a research centre.

John Postlewaite, Deputy Chairman of the Policy and Finance Committee, said: "Initially during the research and development stage it will mean jobs - for people using the island, the shops, hotels and pubs.

"It will possibly boost the economy of the island in quite a dramatic way because there could be quite a few people involved in it."

Guernsey Electricity is already investing �250,000 into research on tidal power.