Tidal energy could be used to replace petrol driven cars

He spoke about claims by Prof Peter Smith of Nottingham University that the Channel Islands could supply the UK with a third of its electricity needs.

The Channel islands area is thought to be the best location in the British Isles for tidal power.

But Mr Liston said current technology would restrict the amount of power that could be harnessed.

He said: "I don't think Guernsey, Jersey or Alderney will see more than 20% of their electricity coming from these devices simply because the electricity system cannot cope with the variability.

"However, it is very, very feasible that the technology developed in Channel Island waters could be feeding electricity into Europe by being connected to the continental electricity grid."