Harnessing the waves off Ireland's west coast could produce enough green electricity to power thousands of homes, it was claimed today.
A Swedish inventor aims to prototype the first underwater turbine to tap into the potential of the ocean currents crashing onto the western seaboard.
Marine researcher, Prof Ulf Erlingsson, is seeking backers for his design which could supply unlimited electricity to the national grid.
He said: "Ireland's west coast has probably the best wave potential in the world because only a narrow continental strip separates it from the deep waters of the north Atlantic ocean.
"The energy produced will be constant, clean, sustainable and environmental friendly to marine life, shipping, harbours and beaches."
Already known for their surfing potential, the south and west coasts have the best wave power levels in Europe, according to the European Wave Energy Atlas. Levels regularly measure up to 75kW per metre.
Prof Erlingsson said he hopes to carry out field trials off the west coast for his energy converter, which will be mounted on the sea bed.
Green Party energy spokesman Eamonn Ryan said the Government must prioritise renewable energy sources like waves to replace the over-dependence on fossil fuels.
"This has to be the way forward. We need to tap into every renewable source of energy we can. Waves are probably the best potential we have but they remain unharnessed.."
Research on wave energy in Ireland is being already carried out by the Marine Institute, University College Cork and the University of Limerick.
The Marine Institute is currently developing a number of wave energy projects and expects to launch a turbine prototype off the Connemara coast this summer.
Spokesman Dr John Joyce added: "We have a monitoring buoy on-site at the moment to gauge wave currents before we install."